Sometimes, general dining out strategies can only help so much. When you eat at a privately-owned or ethnic restaurant, there's often no pamphlet or website with nutritional information and amenities offered. How do you know what to order, especially when you're bringing children along?
That's why we researched and collected tips for the most popular restaurant cuisines.
This article is part of our BabyFit Family-Friendly Dining Guide. We tried to emphasize kid-friendly foods and health at the same time. As we believe in all things in moderation, you'll find a few indulgences and treats on each of our menus. We also provide pros and cons about this type of cuisine, plus some activities to entertain children at restaurants.
Ole! Mexican food is fun and festive. From tacos to burritos, kids are probably familiar with south-of-the-border dishes!
Kid-friendly dishes
Appetizers/Sides
- Bean dip:
Full of fiber, this dip is healthier than "queso," or cheese, dip. Ask for soft tortillas or raw vegetables for dipping.
- Mild tomato salsa:
Its pureed texture will help "hide" the vegetables it contains. Portion out chips so kids don't eat the entire basket.
- Tortilla soup:
Chicken soup with beans, vegetables and Mexican spices is a healthy starter. It could even become a meal for your little one.
Entrees
- Tacos:
Messy, but they're just the right size for kids. Ask for no sour cream and extra lettuce or mild salsa to boost the veggie content.
- Quesadillas:
Filled with cheese, meat, and vegetables, these folded tortillas are a kiddie favorite!
- Bean and cheese enchiladas:
The ooey, gooey cheese will disguise the healthy rice, beans and vegetables inside.
- Fajitas:
Mind the screaming hot plate, but a platter of fajitas will feed at least three kids or an adult and child. You can customize these to please everybody!
Treats
- Empanadas:
Dumplings filled with fruit are fried, so split one between two kids.
- Sopapillas:
This fried pastry is drizzled with honey or sprinkled with cinnamon sugar.
- Flan:
This sweet and mild custard will appeal to pudding lovers.
Thumbs-up-
Salsas are a good way to get kids to eat their vegetables.
-
Mexican meals are affordable and usually well-balanced.
-
Portions are so large that a kid and an adult could share an entree.
Thumbs-down-
Many foods are deep fried or covered in cheese or sour cream.
-
Dishes, especially baked ones, are often served on piping hot plates, so watch those little fingers carefully!
Table talk
Ask your children if they know any Spanish words. Chances are, they have learned a few in school. Start simple, with "casa" house , "agua" water , and "amigo" friend .
Note: Pregnant women should avoid eating deli and processed meats, soft cheeses, and some types of seafood due to the risk of illness to herself and her unborn child. Eating raw or undercooked meat, poultry or seafood also poses health risks. Find more information on which foods to avoid here.
|
Member Comments