• manger des cerises image by Christophe Fouquin from Fotolia.com
  
  It's crucial that children receive appropriate nutrition on a daily basis, but oftentimes the most nutritious of foods are not concurrent with a child's taste. Ironically, some of the best foods for children appear to be unhealthy. Chocolate milk, for example, appears to be a sugary dessert. However, it's just as nutritious as a glass of plain milk. The best foods for children are foods that both please and nourish them, including bright colored vegetables and fruits, accents of chocolates and sweets to grains and dairy, and whole grain versions of their tried and true favorites.
  
  

Chocolate Milk

• Most children love cold plain milk just the way that it is, if it is accompanied by a chocolate chip cookie or a slice of birthday cake. Sometimes, it takes a mask to get kids to eat the things they should, including milk. Adding chocolate powder or syrup to milk does not block or negate any of the nutrients, vitamins, protein, minerals or calcium that are present in milk that are critical to a child's healthy diet.
  
  

Peanut Butter

• Usually children are not the biggest meat eaters, unless it is in greasy nugget form and swimming in ketchup. Peanut butter is an excellent source of protein for picky eaters. There are seven grams of protein in one tablespoon of peanut butter. Natural or organic peanut butter is a healthier choice than processed peanut butters. However, if Jiffy or Skippy is all that you have, don't sweat it. When spread on whole wheat bread with strawberry jam or jelly, it makes a healthy and nutritious lunch for a child.
  
  

Oatmeal

• Everyone should eat more oats, adults included. Oatmeal provides both fiber and heart healthy omega-3 acids, potassium and folate. A bowl of oatmeal in the morning before school is enough to keep a child's brain focused until lunch time. Individual packaged oatmeal servings--such as Quaker Instant Oatmeal packets--make enticing your kids with porridge a little easier, with flavors such as strawberries and cream, apples and cinnamon, and maple and brown sugar. If mixing your own oatmeal for children, make it desirable by stirring in butter, brown sugar, honey, fruit, maple syrup, chocolate chips, nuts or whatever your child particularly fancies.
  
  

Fruits

• The majority of children will take to fruits without an invitation. Unlike vegetables, children are drawn to the natural sugars found in fruit and thus covet them more. Melons, grapes, apples, bananas and strawberries are all great snacks that most children will consume without any enticing. These fruits will provide them with a large amount of their needed vitamins and minerals.
  
  

Raw Vegetables and Dip

• Raw vegetables are not as lucky as fruits in popularity. When faced with the choice of grabbing a head of broccoli or grabbing a slice of watermelon, there's no competition. Vegetables need covering up in order for the crucial minerals, vitamins and antioxidants to make it into a child's stomach. Ranch dressing is an all time favorite, as is a classic onion or bean dip. Dips are best when consumed with raw carrots, celery, cherry tomatoes or cucumbers.
  
  

Pizza

• What child does not love pizza? Not only is it a worldwide favorite, but it also can be a healthy meal. Pizza contains vegetables (sauce), dairy (cheese) and grain (crust, though not whole grain). If possible, consider making pizza at home out of whole grain crust, lean meats, added (desirable) vegetables and a variety of cheeses.