5 Kid-Friendly & Actually Healthy Meal Hacks

1. Breakfast: Muffin Tin For The Win

Don't let kitchenware names limit how you use your tools. Muffin tins are bluffin' if they think that's all they're good for. From mini omelettes to oatmeal "muffins," you can pretty much bake anything in a tin for a grab-and-go, less-messy version of breakfast foods you typically eat on a larger plate or from a bowl. We love this recipe from Life Made Sweeter for Banana Baked Oatmeal Cups - it's gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan!

And if you're looking for something on the savory side that will fuel them with extra protein, simply whisk 6 eggs and evenly pour the mixture into 6 grooves of a lined or lightly-greased 12-cup muffin tin. Add their favorite veggies and bake at 375°F for 15-18 minutes: Omelettes On The Run!

2. Lunch: Gluten-Free Pizza Croutons That Make Salad Less... Salad-y

Getting kids to eat salad should be a competitive sporting event. It takes training, patience, and grit. Or, you could bake up some pre-made CAULIPOWER pizza (or use leftovers), cut them into little squares, and add them to a salad for a crunchy, flavor and nutrient-packed addition to a basic salad. If you're feeling bold, they might not notice if you've traded iceberg lettuce for kale or spinach to get some leafy green benefits in there.

Pro tip: The classic Margherita flavor compliments Italian dressing perfectly - served on the side in a reusable fruit cup, like we did here.

3. After-School Snack: Chicken Tender Loving Care

Keep them from crashing after a sugary 3pm snack - make these paleo, gluten-free crowd-pleasers, Paleo Cauliflower-Crusted Chicken Tenders, ahead and just reheat. We dare you to find a kid who doesn't love 'em. Made with our Cauliflower-Based Baking Mix (Paleo), they're succulent and savory, but not as heavy as the overly-breaded options found in the freezer aisle. Get your dip on!

4. Dinner: Pizza Night 2.0

Rather than opening the dreaded drawer of take-out menus for a rousing game of Delivery Roulette, just keep stocked with our plain cauliflower crusts. They contain more vitamins, fiber, and protein than the other pizzas out there, and save you the added calories, fat, sugar, and sodium, too! Not to mention, these are kid-tested - parents say they don't even realize they're eating cauliflower.

Updating Pizza Night for today's busy parents isn't just about packing in more vegetable-based nutrition, though. How about a little fun? You can put toppings in little ramekins for them to create their own signature pizzas or, if you've got a few extra minutes and a crafty side, toppings arranged as goofy characters is a crowd-pleaser for all ages. Try our spooky spider pizza for a seasonal twist or put your best face forward, like the below idea from a fan, @amanda.moore.ritchie.

5. Dessert: FroYo Without Spending $50

Trendy, single-offering dessert shops are everywhere, and it's hard to say no to a bucket of artificially-flavored frozen yogurt piled high with gummy bears. We've all been there. With Babble's 2-ingredient FroYo Bite recipe in your back pocket, you'll know exactly what's in there, and you'll save a lot of time and money. Just freeze together yogurt and their favorite fruit. Everyone will get their just desserts.