Going out to family restaurants with your children can be a wonderful way to bond, but it can also be frustrating if they never want to eat anything healthy. Thankfully, several popular kids’ meals offer real nutritious value, even if they don’t appear that way at first glance. Below are reasons you can feel better about your child choosing one of these dishes the next time you’re out.

3 Kids’ Meals & Their Surprising Nutritious Value 

1. Spaghetti

Pasta is high in potassium, calcium, and vitamin D—essential nutrients for your child. Potassium improves nerve, muscle, heart, and cellular function, and fights salt’s negative effects on cardiovascular health. Calcium plays a role in numerous functions in your body, such as bolstering strong teeth and bones. Vitamin D assists in bodily functions like nerve communication, supports the immune system, and works with calcium to strengthen teeth and bones. Beyond its mineral content, pasta provides healthy fiber and energy levels, and the benefits are amplified if it’s whole grain. Plus, spaghetti comes with rich tomato sauce and a portion of bread—both of which supply additional nutrients.

2. Hamburger

A staple of American food, hamburgers are a general favorite for kids. They’re loaded with protein and nutrients like zinc, niacin, B vitamins, and omega-3s. Contrary to popular belief, red meat doesn’t negatively affect your heart health or cholesterol levels, especially if it has a low fat content. You can breathe easy if all your child eats at family restaurants is a burger. In fact, the specific nutrients offered by red meat are particularly vital during the growing periods of life, including childhood, aiding in development and overall health.

3. Chicken Fingers

Chicken tenders are a popular option at family restaurants, which isn’t a bad thing. Consuming chicken has been found to have major health benefits, including a decrease in the risks of obesity, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes. Beyond these benefits, chicken provides a healthy amount of easily-digested proteins, B vitamins, and minerals. Poultry is so nutrient-dense that it’s been praised by the UNFAO for its invaluable role in battling malnourishment in developing countries.

You’ll find these delicious kids’ meals at the Belgian Waffle & Pancake House in Branson, MO. With a wide array of kid-friendly American food, their menu will satisfy even the pickiest eater. All items are crafted from the freshest local ingredients, so you can feel good about what your family’s eating. From authentic Belgian waffles and juicy sirloins to rich spaghetti, they’ve been creating delicious meals since 1976. They’re one of the leading family restaurants in Branson with great reviews on Yelp to prove it. View their full menu online, and call (417) 334-8484 to make a reservation.