The Bible says that children are gifts from God. A reward to be looked upon as a blessing, not an inconvenience. These tiny versions of humans are our light who needs to be protected at all costs whatever it takes.

Started in 1954, ‘Universal Children’s Day’ is celebrated on the 20^th of November annually, a special occasion dedicated just for the kids to promote international togetherness, awareness among children worldwide, and improving children's welfare.

As you guys watch your children grow, you gradually notice everything about them; their attitude, choices, and favorites, especially on food. They will truthfully say something if they like it or not, admit it!

As part of the day’s celebration, we looked into some of the Filipino children’s favorite food which you can actually put healthy twists on, and here’s what we’ve got.

FRIED CHICKEN

There’s no doubt about it-–fried chicken is one of those comfort foods that our children can’t help but love. It’s considered a guilty pleasure, as it’s not the healthiest of choices. But, no worries ‘cause there are some very simple tips on how to put on a healthier twist.

Yup, you read it right, this recipe from eatingwell.com has made our lives easier. Now you can make it without using a deep-fryer and without blowing your calorie allotment for a meal. You can do it for only half the calories and just one-fifth the fat and sodium of the fast-food classic

Watch this video and prep up your ingredients!

SPAGHETTI

If your kids are into gastronomical adventure, then you should try this ‘Chicken asparagus pasta’ which is a healthy alternative to the all-time favorite classic Pinoy spaghetti.

I know a lot of kids are ditching vegetables because they don’t like it, but believe it or not, this recipe is a good start-up to train them to love veggies like asparagus and carrots containing fiber and other vitamins essential for healthy living which is the main ingredient of this pasta’s twists.

Check out this tutorial video for your next pasta adventure.

ADOBO

I know what you’re thinking pals, Pinoy Adobo is not a dish to prepare for kids often. Its fat content isn’t good for everyone, but this is a staple on Filipino tables and we can’t stop not loving it, even the kids.

In a cooking video tutorial by HealthyOptionsPH, Vloggers Bianca King and Mari have shown us the simple steps in creating this famous dish with a twist—more vegetables, toasted oyster mushrooms, and some blanched French beans-- to make it healthier.

Here’s the video for the detailed steps.

SINIGANG

Another staple food on every Filipino table, Sinigang is truly one of the kids’ favorite dishes. Did you know that we can serve it in a healthier way more than what we actually know how it’s usually done?

 In an episode of GMA 7’s Pinoy MD, Mesa restaurant in Quezon City has made waves in the Metro’s food scene with its Sinigang twist. Chef Stephen Perez explained the benefits of having pineapples and guavas as alternatives for its sour tastes which is definitely perfect for kids to taste the classic ones with new twists.

Here’s the video:

CAKE

We all know kids have a sweet tooth naturally. They all love chocolates, cakes, and everything about desserts that’s why guardians must watch their children’s intake of those sweets.

So if you’re trying out something new for your kiddos, you can make healthy cakes rich in nutritional values which is good for their health. On the list is the easiest recipe for banana cakes.

You can make it very easy and simple without thinking about its effects on children. The lovely moistness of this cake can make your child’s day happy, ‘cause they love it, and it’s not a question. Whatever that is pleasing to their eyes is beautiful but make sure to make it tasty.

Check out this recipe:

Kids are everything. They are our happy pills from our blue days so make sure that they are being taken care of with our 100% love, attention, and guidance.

Happy Universal Children’s Day!