The 2010 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee recently reported that kids (and teenagers and adults too) have diets lacking in dietary fiber, vitamin D, calcium and potassium. Eating more plant-based foods can offer more of these important nutrients. For example, just 1 cup (121 grams) of grilled Dole® brand portabello mushrooms that have been exposed to ultraviolet light prior to packaging, can provide an excellent source of Vitamin D (100% DV) and a good source of Dietary Fiber 2.7 grams (11% DV) and Potassium 529 mg (15% DV). Try portabello mushrooms cooked in veggie stir fry's or marinated and grilled as a 'burger'.
Eating more plant based foods, at least once per week, is the focus of a pilot program called 'Kids Cook Monday', which was launched in Harlem, NY. The children reap the added benefits from cooking and eating together as a family.