Easy boxed macaroni and cheese protein hack to make your kid’s favorite meal a little healthier.
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Do you remember before you had kids and the thoughts that would go through your head? My kid will NEVER act like that in public. My child will never leave toys all over my living room. My little one will eat a balanced diet and will not be one of those that only eats chicken nuggets and mac n cheese.
It is pure entertainment to think back on those “my child will never” statements from my pre-kid years. And now as a mama, I work on things like making a boxed macaroni and cheese protein hack to ensure that these little tiny children get something good into their bellies.
Providing Kids with Proper Nutrients is Hard
My 4 year old only started eating meat within the last few months. I spent months trying to get her to try meat and she just did not want to. Her gag reflex is on point and the texture really got to her. So I slathered peanut butter on everything and prayed that she was getting the nutrients that she needed. Yes, I got one of those picky eaters that I swore I would never allow pre-motherhood.
One food that I could not figure out how to pile high with peanut butter was her beloved mac n cheese. Now I know that we can probably name off 1000 things that we would rather feed our kids than boxed mac n cheese. But, we are moms and know that a box of that cheesy goodness makes it to our table fairly often.
When choosing convenience foods, I like to look for the healthiest possible choice that the grocery store has to offer. Annie’s Organic Macaroni and Cheese is a choice that I feel good about feeding my family. And even better, I found the answer to my need for protein in the pasta right on the back of the box!
Boxed Macaroni and Cheese Protein Hack
Increasing the amount of protein in your boxed macaroni in cheese is so simple and your kids will not even notice the change.
Boil your pasta as instructed on the package. Drain the pasta into a colander and set aside.
Next add the butter and cheese packet to your warm pot. Now here is your boxed macaroni and cheese protein hack, sub the milk for 3 tablespoons of greek yogurt. By adding this yogurt, you are adding in additional grams of protein to the mac and cheese entree.
Protein is so important to help kids stay full longer. Which reduces that snack, snack, snack commentary that I know you are tired of hearing all day. Every day.
See you could never tell by looking at it (or tasting it) that you have it packed with good for you greek yogurt.
My kid will eat 3 square meals and won’t eat goldfish all day long. -Former Self, Year 2012.
I hope this boxed macaroni and cheese protein hack helps you to make a small change to make your kids meals a little healthier.
Does your kid think macaroni and cheese is a food group? Do you plan to try this boxed macaroni and cheese protein hack?