Nutrition

Healthy Meal Plan for Young Minds

The age-old saying, “You are what you eat,” has never been more scientifically accurate or socially acceptable. Study after study, doctor after doctor, and dietician after dietician have confirmed that the building blocks of our bodies and our cells are constructed from everything we consume.

When it comes to our little ones, how much more is this crucial in their developing bodies?

Fiorella has gone to great lengths to provide a nutritionally beneficial meal plan for our young students. What started as a mission to teach children healthy choices and how poor food can affect our moods and energy levels grew into a robust program that has made the difference when choosing where to educate your child.

Cecilia Reddy, Fiorella Director, feels passionate about having a menu of whole foods with nutritional benefits. “The foods that we offer here at Fiorella might not be the cheapest or the quickest options, but we’re okay with that.

We’re okay with teaching kids from an early age that the 30 extra seconds it takes to peel a banana are nothing compared to the years of disease caused by a processed-foods diet.” Healthy minds need healthy bodies.

Whether your child is a picky eater or has no problem with appetite, our whole-foods based menu plan offers probiotic-rich dairy, micronutrient-rich fruits and vegetables, and proteins that will build strong muscles.

We want to walk with you through every step of your child’s education and growth, including nutrition. We’ve compiled 3 of our easiest, yummiest recipes that you can whip up in no time to carry the power of nutrition home with your child!

Superhero Power Bowls

Get ready for a surge of superpowers after your kid inhales this delicious medley of roasted veggies, grilled chicken, and nutritious grains.

  • 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 1 cup carrots, baby or cut large ones
  • 1 cup broccoli florets, fresh preferred
  • 1 lb chicken breast, cubed and seasoned to liking
  • 90-second brown rice and quinoa mix (in the grains aisle)
  • 1 t Ground Thyme
  • 1 t sea salt
  • ½ t pepper
  • 2 T avocado oil for roasting

Preheat oven to 400. Toss the sweet potatoes, carrots, and broccoli in avocado oil, thyme, sea salt, and pepper. Put the veggies on a roasting pan, trying to ensure that none are touching so that maximum caramelization can occur (this is the crisp, sweet part of the veggie that your little one will love!).

On a separate roasting pan, lay out the seasoned chicken (make sure there is a bit of oil so that it doesn’t stick).

Roast both pans in the oven for about 25 minutes. Heat the brown rice and quinoa according to package instructions. Once cooked, lay ½ cup – 1 cup in the bottom of the serving bowl. Serve up roasted veggies and chicken on top. Drizzle with your favorite sauce for a finishing touch (we love blending avocado with lemon juice, salt, and herbs for a quick, clean sauce).

Under the Sea Adventure Plate

Picky-eater approved, this simple plate recipe comes together in less than 7 minutes. Great for on-the-go lunches!

  • 1 can tuna
  • 1 avocado
  • Sea Salt
  • Whole wheat or gluten-free bread
  • Fruits or veggies to dip in hummus or salsa (we like carrots, celery, apples, and cucumbers)

Drain tuna and with avocado in a bowl until well combined. Season with salt and preferred spices. Spread onto bread of choice and cut into starfish or fish shapes. Serve with your child’s favorite veggies and hummus.

One-pot playground fuel

Sneak veggies into comforting pasta food with this easy-clean up crowd pleaser.

  • 1 box of veggie pasta
  • 1 T Nutritional yeast
  • ½ T Sea Salt
  • 1 t Paprika
  • ½ t Mustard
  • Cheese of choice
  • 1 bag steam-able cauliflower
  • 1 can pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)

A protein of choice (frozen grilled chicken is quick to dethaw and cook)

Boil pasta, drain and add back to a large pot with a bit of avocado or olive oil.

While pasta cooks, steam the cauliflower in the microwave. Once cooked, blend cauliflower and pumpkin with spices and cheese. Add this pasta sauce to the pasta and top with a protein of choice.