Perennial Favorites with a Fiber Twist

Instead of trying to get kids to like spinach we've found it's always easier to incorporate fiber into the foods they already love. Here are five great ways to add fiber while keeping their tummies happy.

Grilled Cheese

2 slices Cheddar, American, or Swiss cheese
2 slices whole-wheat bread
2 tablespoons margarine

Total fiber = 4 grams

Pizza

Whether it shows up at your door or you're making it from scratch, opt for whole-wheat crust. Several pizza chains are starting to offer whole-wheat crusts as an option - and if yours isn't, ask for it. Get vegetable toppings or cheese pizza and add your own. Try things like basil, tomato, mushrooms and pineapple. Yum!

Total fiber - one slice pizza with 1/4 cup vegetables and whole-wheat crust = 8 grams

Chicken Noodle Soup

This one's easy. Take your favorite can of chicken noodle soup and warm it on the stove like you normally would but use a slightly larger pot. While the soup is warming, add your child's favorite vegetables. Carrots, corn, broccoli, spinach, mushrooms, bean sprouts - just about anything works well. This is a great way to sneak in extra vegetables.

Total fiber - 1/2 cup vegetables (approx.) = 10 grams

Beans-n-Franks

We already know how they feel about hot dogs. All you have to do is warm up the beans. Sooooo easy.

Total fiber - 1/2 cup beans = 5 grams

Mac-n-Cheese

A few years ago if you wanted whole-wheat pasta you practically had to make it yourself. Thankfully, most supermarkets now offer whole-wheat pasta in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some are even enhanced with additional fiber. Give it a taste-test. We guarantee your kid won't notice you've switched things up.

Total fiber - 1/2 cup whole-wheat pasta = 3 grams