As American children head back to school, experts have a number of tips to help parents prepare quick seafood meals.
“Serving seafood in familiar dishes like tacos, enchiladas, soups, salads, burgers and baked dishes can be a beneficial way for kids to eat more seafood,” said Joe Urban, director of food and nutrition services for Greenville County Schools in Greenville, South Carolina, in a Seafood Nutrition Partnership press release.
Mild fish such as cod, pollock, and haddock are easily substituted in most dishes that call for chicken, pork, or beef and also provide a good stepping stone for stronger-tasting seafood like salmon or tuna, Urban added.
The sooner seafood is incorporated into a child’s routine, the better, according to SNP.
“Since most kids function better on a routine, incorporating the right foods at the start of the year sets a foundation for months to come. One healthy option for kids is seafood,” SNP said.
The outstanding health profile touted by seafood is obvious, SNP noted. Fish and shellfish supply nutrients such as vitamins B and D, choline, and essential omega-3 fatty acids, which aid in cardiovascular health, brain development, strong bones, and a healthy immune system.
“When kids eat at least two servings of seafood each week, as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics, they can receive big benefits,” SNP said.
Seafood is also quick to prepare, which allows parents to get a nutritious meal on the table on any night of the week, SNP explained. For example, thin, frozen fish fillets and shrimp can be defrosted and cooked in under 20 minutes.
Another affordable seafood option that parents can incorporate in kids’ meals is canned seafood, such as salmon and tuna. SNP is providing kid-friendly recipe ideas and coupons for these species and more on its website, http://www.seafoodnutrition.org/kidfriendly.
