Kid-Friendly Anti-Inflammatory Dinner Recipes

The Willis household has been on a quest to find kid-friendly dinners that also help kill inflammation. Recently, one of us has been diagnosed with a chronic inflammatory condition. While we're seeing some really positive results from medication, the possibility of a recurrence is always out there. So, in solidarity with our loved one & in hopes of improving the overall health of everyone in our home, we're making the effort to learn what foods are anti-inflammatory & which exacerbate inflammation.

I'm not saying that we've completely sworn off ice cream & the occasional box of munchkins from Dunkin'. However, we're definitely trying to make those sweet treats & other fun goodies items that are only used sparingly. It's a process.

I'm also partially just making this post so that I can have these recipes super handy when I'm planning my next grocery run!

Anti-Inflammatory Foods

First off, I've been working to learn which foods are best at helping our bodies battle inflammation. I pulled the following list from the Mayo Health website.

• Deep orange, yellow and red, and dark green foods, such as pumpkin, sweet bell peppers, tomatoes, carrots, kale, spinach, Swiss chard, arugula and endive
• Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage
• Onions
• Deep blue or purple foods, such as blueberries, blackberries, plums and Concord grapes
• Citrus fruits, such as oranges, grapefruit and pomelos
• Whole grains, such as wheat, oats, rye, buckwheat, millet, quinoa and brown rice
• Plant-based proteins, including dried beans, lentils, lentil pasta and soy
• Nuts and seeds, including walnuts and almonds, and seeds like chia, flax and hemp
• Spices and herbs, including ginger, garlic, turmeric, cardamom, black pepper, cinnamon and rosemary
• Beverages such as water, herbal and green teas, and coffee

And as I find recipes that have these ingredients, I've been adding them into the meal plans. I've also found some by just searching for anti-inflammatory recipes. Pinterest has been my friend!

Kid-Friendly Anti-Inflammatory Recipes

Anti-Inflammatory Turmeric Chicken Soup

Turmeric is an anti-inflammatory superstar. While this soup stained my wooden spoon yellow, I still loved it. Even the leftovers were delicious. And the kids loved it, too!

One-Pan Honey Turmeric Chicken with Asparagus

Another turmeric recipe that was a hit with our family. Even the asparagus was acceptable to them although I realized it was the first time I remember making it.

Sheet Pan Chicken Fajita Bowls

My kids surprisingly ate kale without complaint because of this easy little recipe. Kale, along with the bell peppers, pack in that anti-inflammatory power we're looking for.

Slow Cooker Vegetable Curry

Thank goodness for Bluey & the "Curry Swap" episode. My kids weren't so scared to try curry & were excited to try naan as a side. The chickpeas in this pack the plant-based protein we need.

Honey-Garlic Chicken Thighs with Carrots & Broccoli

While we weren't a big fan of the chicken thighs, we did love the flavors in this recipe. It's definitely going to be one we try again with white meat. Also, roasted carrots & broccoli are just yummy!

This is an area where I'm still learning, so I'm sure I'll revisit this post & add some more family favorites as we find them.

If you have a favorite healthy meal that never disappoints, please share it below!

As always, I am cheering you on!