Tips for Healthier Macaroni and Cheese

Every kid loves boxed macaroni and cheese. You make it because it’s easy and fast, but it isn’t very nutritious! The good news is that you can ease your conscience and satisfy your child with healthier macaroni and cheeese by doing one or more of the following ideas:

• Use nonfat milk and half the amount of required butter to eliminate a lot of fat.
• Add peas or mixed vegetables for some fiber.
• Use creamed corn instead of the butter to make the macaroni and cheese creamy.
• For protein, mix in canned tuna or low-fat chili. Adding both protein and vegetables will fill up your child faster, causing them to eat less and one box of macaroni and cheese to last a lot longer.
• Buy all-natural, whole-wheat boxed macaroni and cheese at your local health food store.
• Serve macaroni and cheese as a side dish instead of as the main meal to ensure your child eats less of it and more of something healthier, like a sandwich, an apple, or salad.