In an ideal world, children would eat fruits and veggies with no fuss. However, we live in a world that is full of unhealthy snack choices that children seem to love upon the first bite. If you are looking for ways to sneak extra fruits and veggies into your child’s diet, then you have come to the right place. You don’t have to be sneaky, just creative to introduce your children to snacks they will love so much they will beg for more.
I remember my 4 year old refusing to eat a carrot. I had tried time and time again, yet the refusal continued. One day I decided to sit down with him and try to share my carrot. He still refused, and I told him if he didn’t eat his carrots he would never have xray vision like Superman. He asked if Superman really ate carrots, and I responded with “How do you think he sees through all of those buildings?” Needless to say, he picked up his carrot, and 10 years later he is still eating them. It is important to instill good eating habits early on in your child’s life to ensure they will continue with the practice throughout life. Here are some ideas for healthy kids’ snacks:
1. Fruit smoothies
There is something about a smoothie that most children can not resist. You can try different combinations until you find what your child likes. A great combination to start with is 1 banana, 5 strawberries, 2 pineapple rings, ¼ cup orange juice, about 5 ice cubes, and 1 tbsp flax seed. Another winning combination is ice, almond milk, blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, broccoli, flax seed and a little bit of honey. This combination can be quite seedy, therefore you may want to run it through a strainer to get some of the seeds out before serving it to your child.
2. Frozen grapes
A great summer time idea for healthy kids’ snacks is to freeze grapes. They are cool and refreshing on a hot summer day, and the kids often beg for more.
3. Granola
Homemade granola is a great way to offer energizing snacks for kids. They will enjoy it even more if you let them help pick the ingredients and assist you with preparation.
4. Bruschetta
It has been stated that a child is far more willing to eat something they have helped to make. Let them help you make bruschetta bread; they can easily lay the pieces of bread on the tray, top them with mozzarella, and sprinkle with diced tomatoes. You will want to drizzle the olive oil over the top, and make sure you are the one placing the tray in the hot oven. Let them watch the cheese melt under the broiler, and you will be amazed at just how much they will love this snack.
5. Trail mix
Another winning snack is homemade trail mix. Create different combinations using peanuts, raisins, chocolate candies, pretzels, goldfish, cheerios, and rice or wheat cereals such as chex.
Just remember that if you want your child to fuss less about eating fruits and vegetables, it is helpful to let them assist you with preparation. Rather you are serving them hummus with carrot sticks and celery, or making ants on a log (celery with peanut butter and raisins) you will find that their attitude changes once they are incorporated into their own meal time. Be patient and let them help you create a grocery list for the week, and consider their ideas for healthy kids’ snacks. You will find over time that your child fusses less as well as gains an understanding in regards to how things actually work in the kitchen.
