9 Healthy & Easy Meals for the Whole Family

From turkey tacos to veggie mac and cheese, registered dietitian and new mom Robin Kaiden offers up her fave dishes for eaters big and small

TURKEY TACOS

This fiber-rich meal is a great low-fat alternative to red meat. It's also fun for older kids because they can help prepare and select their own toppings. For the wee ones (under 12 months), skip the tomato paste, salsa and spices. But load up on full-fat cheese for your toddlers 2 and under. You can also serve it in small pieces for mini fingers or as a salad so Mom and Dad can enjoy a low-carb version.

LAMB STEW

Lamb is a great first food because it's easily digested when pureed. Plus, lean red meat is a healthy option when enjoyed in moderation. And this hearty meal is perfect for a cold winter's day. Just skip the tomato paste or other spices if you're serving to your baby.

CHICKEN PARMESAN

Who doesn't like cheese and tomato sauce? Your kids sure will. But this version is healthier because it isn't heavily breaded and fried and served with white pasta. Puree the chicken for younger kids – you can add apples, pears or other fruits for extra moisture and sweetness – or cut it up into dipping strips for older kids.

BAKED APPLES

Big or small, everyone loves this sweet dish, which tastes like apple pie without the pie. Serve it as a snack or add it to oatmeal and yogurt for breakfast. If you prefer a little crunch, top it off with a couple of tablespoons of graham cracker crumble or granola.

HOME FRIES

With the added fiber boost from the vegetables, this potato scramble is way more nutritious than deep-fried potatoes. The whole family can enjoy it for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

BANANA BLUEBERRY SMOOTHIE

Most store-bought brand yogurts have a lot of added sugar. So try this more low-fat version for yourself or your budding athlete. Just use whole-fat yogurt for kids under 2. You can also add a scoop of whey for more protein.

VEGGIE MAC & CHEESE

This yummy dish, which is a high-fiber, lower-fat version of the original, appeals to picky eaters who don’t love their vegetables. Serve with a salad or green vegetable to balance out the meal.

PEACH SAUCE

This is a fun alternative to typical apple sauce and is amazing when the fruit is in season (frozen peaches are also an option). You can also substitute other fruits: plums, nectarines and mangoes, too. Serve it plain or add a dollop of plain Greek yogurt and sprinkle with cinnamon or nutmeg.

SPICY-CRUSTED SALMON

Salmon is packed with omega-3 fatty acids that are essential for baby’s brain development. And they also offer improved brain and heart function for everyone else. It's also very high in vitamins D and B12. Just make sure to cook longer when serving to small children to make sure it's well done.

ROBIN KAIDEN

Courtesy of Robin Kraiden

As a registered dietitian and new mom, Kaiden fully understand the challenges of feeding your family well with limited time. She also knows how hard it is to create healthy, well-balanced and adventurous eaters. Her trick: Cook meals the whole gang can enjoy.