If you have kids and are looking for ways to get them to eat more veggies, try this recipe. The good news is most kids love their familiar comfort foods, and even our friends’ kids are used to regular mac and cheese, but they still love this cauliflower version.
For a lot of reasons, we try not to be short order cooks (making “separate kid foods”). I find my job as a mother is to offer my kids nutritious food, and it’s up to them to choose how much they want to eat. This is so important for them to learn to get used to eating unprocessed real food.
Cauliflower "Mac" & Veggie Cheese Sauce: Makes 2 Servings
INGREDIENTS:
1 lb elbow protein macaroni, cooked al dente (Optional I add this in only when making for the kiddos)
½ cup water
1-2 cup cauliflower florets (use 1 cup for sauce, if I don't use pasta I use one additional cup cauliflower as pasta)
1 cup butternut squash (Kabocha - can be used for less carbs), diced
1 cup carrot, sliced (optional - I add this in only when making for the kiddos)
2 cups chicken stock
2 cups reduced fat cheddar cheese, shredded
2 Tbsp (1.3 oz) light cream cheese
2 Wedges Laughing Cow Cheese
DIRECTIONS:
Add water, cauliflower, squash, and carrots in a pot over medium heat. Cover and cook until vegetables are tender. (If I have time I prefer to roast in the oven on a sheet pan with parchment paper at 400 F for 30 mins).
Add all the veggies and cooking water into a blender and blend until smooth.
Return blended veggies to the pot over medium heat, and add the stock, cheeses, and cream cheese. Stir until smooth.
Add macaroni (Or cauliflower), reduce heat, mix thoroughly, and cover for 20 minutes.
ENJOY!
1L/3G/3C
*If you are watching your calories or weight, use cauliflower instead of pasta, Kabocha instead of butternut squash, and cut out the carrots.
Did you know studies show: Obesity among children and adolescents has tripled over the past three decades? With childhood obesity is on the rise, it's mind-blowing to think under-nutrition in children is still unresolved! Children are exposed to high-fat, high-sugar, high-salt, energy-dense, and micronutrient-poor foods, which tend to be lower in cost but also lower in nutrient quality. These dietary patterns, in conjunction with lower levels of physical activity, result in sharp increases in childhood obesity while under-nutrition issues remain unsolved.
Ok, now it’s your turn! Make your own healthy mac & cheese with this recipe and take a photo and tag us #HealthyWarner, so we can check it out!
The goal with these healthy recipes is to show that eating healthy doesn't have to be a struggle and can be delicious and good for you and the kiddos simultaneously. Remember it's not about depriving yourself of delicious food, it's about being mindful of your choices, portion sizes, and coming up with healthier alternatives that are just as good if not better. Thus, our mission is to not only guide you to improving your physical health but also create a healthy mindset.
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