Good Healthy Snacks for Kids
Children need to eat a balanced, nutritious diet that includes snacks in between meals. Childhood obesity is on the rise and it is up to parents to provide their kids with the best options when it comes to snacking. Healthy habits begin young, and kids will learn to enjoy making healthy choices if they begin the habit at home.
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Vegetables
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Vegetables are a healthy snack for kids of all ages. Many children enjoy eating celery, baby carrots, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, mushrooms and chopped up bell peppers. Pickier children may enjoy dipping chopped up vegetables in a low-fat ranch or Caesar salad dressing. Cream cheese can also be spread on vegetables for kids who like eating cheese.
Fruits
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Fruit provides children with a sweet snack while still remaining healthy to eat. Fruits such as apples, pears, peaches, oranges and bananas can be cut into small cubes or strips or even mixed up as a fruit salad. Sweeter fruits include melons, mangoes, papayas and bananas. Children who don't have allergies may enjoy spreading peanut butter on apples or pears before eating them. Dried fruit is also a healthy option, and kids often feel as though they are eating candy due to the change in texture.
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Crackers
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Whole grain crackers can be a filling snack for kids and help them to meet their daily fiber needs. Some children enjoy eating whole grain crackers plain, while other kids might like to eat them with cheese cubes or meat on top. Low-fat dips can also be used to make eating whole grains more exciting.
Mini Sandwiches
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Healthy eating can be made fun by asking children to help make mini sandwiches. Whole grain bread can be used to provide nutritional benefits like fiber and children can create sandwiches using their favorite topping. Sandwiches should have at least one vegetable, such as lettuce, and then children can add a lean meat. Condiments should be avoided, as they are high in sodium, but cheese can help to add extra flavor to the sandwiches. Sandwiches can be cut into fun shapes using cookie cutters.
Cereal
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Cereal provides children with a whole grain, tasty snack. Cereal can be eaten dry or with milk. Whole fat milk should be used for young children, as the high fat content helps to aid in brain development. Healthy cereal choices include granola, oats and high fiber options. Fruit can be added to sweeten the cereal.
Smoothies
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Many children like milkshakes and smoothies, so parents can begin making homemade options to reduce the amount of sugar that their children are consuming. Smoothies can be made in a blender using fresh or frozen fruit, yogurt and ice chips. Some parents add flax oil to provide children with healthy fat options. A sweet tasting smoothie can be made by combining bananas, strawberries, vanilla yogurt and ice.
Trail Mix
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Children who don't suffer from nut allergies can enjoy trail mix as a healthy snack during the day. Trail mix can be bought in pre-made bags or made at home by combining nuts, seeds and dried fruit. Making the trail mix at home helps to ensure that there are no added preservatives or extra salt.
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References
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