Time To Swap Out The Chicken Fingers

Fried chicken fingers, sugary cereals, ice cream, and neon orange mac and cheese may taste yummy, but they certainly aren’t a healthy option for children. With the growing amount of childhood obesity, it makes sense to find easy, healthy alternatives for unhealthy favorites. Here are a couple of easy swaps we can’t get enough of!


1. Chicken Finger Swap
Instead of fried chicken smothered in grease, try baking instead. Preheat your oven to 475 degrees Fahrenheit. Then line a baking sheet with foil and spray it with a no calorie cooking spray. Use egg whites to coat boneless skinless chicken tenders. Here’s the yummiest part: mix some almonds, whole wheat bread crumbs, garlic powder, paprika, and salt and pepper in the food processor, and coat your tenders in the mixture, and cook until crispy golden brow – about 20 – 25 minutes.


2. Mac and Cheese Swap
Instead of the fat laden frozen stuff, cook 8 ounces of whole-wheat elbow noodles for about 4 minutes, and add a 10 ounce package of frozen broccoli (or any frozen green veggie on hand) to the pot, stirring occasionally until the pasta and broccoli are cooked.


Meanwhile, heat 1 1/2 cups of low fat milk in a large pot to a simmer, whisk in some garlic powder and a couple tablespoons of flour, whisking constantly until combined. Add 3/4 a cup of shredded low fat cheddar cheese, 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese, and a squirt of Dijon mustard, and simmer until the cheese melts.

Drain the pasta, add it to the cheese sauce, and cook until heated through (about 1 minute).


3. Milk Shake Swap
Milkshakes are chock full of empty calories. Fruit smoothies are a refreshing and delicious alternative. Blend crushed ice, frozen or fresh berries, some low fat or fat free plain yogurt and a splash of orange juice in the blender, and garnish with some fresh mint leaves if desired. Deelish!