Snacking for kids should be healthy, nutritious, and appealing to their taste buds. Here are some healthy snack options for your kids.
Fruit Kabobs; this is an assortment of colorful fruits like strawberries, grapes, melon chunks, and pineapple. Cut the fruits into bite-sized pieces, and thread the pieces on wooden skewers in a visually appealing manner, this can be included in their lunch box. This provides vitamins, minerals, and natural sugar for energy.
Greek Parfait Yogurt; this includes Greek yogurt, layers of fresh berries, strawberries, or raspberries with a drizzle of honey for sweetness. The yogurt offers protein and probiotics for digestion, while berries provide antioxidants and fiber.
Popcorn; homemade popcorn is a nutritious snack idea for kids, this should be done using an air popper or stovetop pot to pop plain corn without adding oil. For flavors, lightly drizzle melted butter or nutritional yeast over the corn. Popcorn is a whole grain that provides fiber, while the nutritional yeast taste adds a cheesy taste without dairy.
Smoothie Popsicles; blend Greek yogurt, ripe bananas, and frozen berries, add a touch of honey for sweetness, pour the mixture into popsicle molds, and freeze. These popsicles combine protein, vitamins, and antioxidants for kids.
Frozen Banana Pops; cut ripe bananas in half, dip each banana half in Greek yogurt or melted dark chocolate, and roll the coated banana in granola or crushed nuts, Freeze on a paper-lined tray. This snack offers potassium from bananas and protein from yogurt or chocolate.
Whole Grain Sandwich; whole grain bread slices, turkey slices, chicken breast or ham, fresh veggies, light salad dressing, and pickles or olives for added flavor. Apply a thin layer of salad dressing to the bread, add your turkey slices and veggies between the slices of your bread, and cut into manageable halves or quarters. This provides complex carbohydrate for sustained energy for kids.
In conclusion, choose snacks that align with your kid’s dietary needs, and be mindful of any allergies, always involve them in the making process, as this makes it more fun for them. Remember to make snacks appealing, colorful, and fun for the kids.