Finding convenient healthy snacks that your kids will eat, can be easy. By preparing nutritious foods ahead of time and using a little creativity to make healthier foods fun to eat, you can encourage children to make better snack choices. Here are a few simple ideas.
1. Set aside a shelf in your pantry and refrigerator just for snacks and keep it stocked with healthy options that are ready to eat. When kids are hungry they tend to grab whatever is easy and available so assigning a particular area stocked with quick healthy snacks keeps them from choosing unhealthy items like cookies, chips or pizza that maybe lurking about.
2. Fruit is a typical kid favorite, but grapes need to be washed, apples need to be cut, and oranges peeled, so by preparing fruit ahead of time and packing them in individual containers or sandwich bags in appropriate portions for snack time, your kids are more apt to choose this yummy healthy option. Another idea is to cut fruit with cookie cutters in different shapes and serve them kabob style.
3. Try getting your children involved by letting them construct their own snack. Cut lean lunch meat, cheese, and cucumbers in small squares or circles and serve them with whole wheat crackers and let them learn how to become an architect by building their own sandwich tower with different combinations. Have your child make their own meat and cheese sandwich with bread and let them cut it with a cookie cutter in a shape of their choice. Kids are more likely to sample food they’re working with.
4. Let kids dip. Veggies like snow peas, carrots, broccoli, cherry tomatoes, and celery will disappear if they are accompanied by a tub of dip. Even baked tortilla strips, pita triangles or whole wheat crackers are better tasting and funnier to eat if they can be dipped. Try making a guacamole dip with smashed avocados and some seasoning. Avocados provide almost 20 essential nutrients, including fiber, Vitamin E, B-vitamins, potassium, and folic acid.
5. Other foods like peanut butter, granola bars, healthy muffins or cookies, and yogurt are snack items that are healthy and delicious. Pasta is also a great option because it is a fabulous source of complex carbohydrates. Pick your child’s favorite shaped noodles and prepare some to keep in the refrigerator for snack-time. Just heat up a half to full cup of pasta in the microwave, add some tomato sauce, veggies or chicken for a warm, quick protein and fiber enriched snack.