Parents know that growing children need a lot of food. According to pediatric nutritionist Hannah Laikin, MS, RD, CSP, LD, children require fewer calories per unit of body weight than adults to support bone development, muscle growth, and other bodily functions. It will be expensive. Perhaps that’s why with kids at home, it seems like a stocked refrigerator or pantry can be empty in just a few days.
Children often look for snacks between meals, so parents should have a variety of snack foods available for their children. However, finding healthy snacks that kids can eat can be difficult. With that in mind, parents should consider these eight healthy alternatives to less nutritious meals like potato chips and sugary treats.
1. Fruit on a stick: Any food that is enjoyed on a stick seems fun to eat. This is certainly an item for older children. Parents don’t want to worry about their younger children getting hurt by sharp wooden skewers. Simply slide a variety of chopped or sliced fruit onto the skewers to create a healthy and colorful snack. As an added bonus, add a small cup of low-fat vanilla yogurt for fruit dip.
2. Baby Carrots and Hummus: Who can resist baby carrots? After all, they seem to be made for kids’ little fingers. Pair with homemade or store-bought hummus, which is rich in protein and fiber. There is also hummus for dessert, which may especially appeal to children’s palates.
3. Crackers and cheese: Choose whole grain crackers and low-fat cheese. This gives the chips the crunchy texture without the fat and calories. Additionally, cheese adds the benefits of protein, calcium and other nutrients found in dairy products.
4. Nut butters and pretzels: Children need unsaturated fats to promote brain growth and overall development. Nuts and nut butters contain these good fats. The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases says you can give peanut butter to children as young as 4 months old, and early introduction may help prevent peanut allergies. Additional nut butters include almonds and cashews. Let your kids dip pretzels in nut butter and eat them.
5. Overnight Oats Crafts: Involve the kids in making overnight oats jars or containers with their favorite ingredients. Mix old-fashioned rolled oats with low-fat milk (or dairy alternative), raisins, granola, fresh fruit, chia seeds, or even low-fat yogurt and let sit overnight for a spoonable treat that’s perfect for meals . And snacks. Additionally, the fiber in oatmeal can help keep your child feeling full for longer.
6. Frozen Smoothie Bowl: A great alternative to ice cream. Simply blend your child’s favorite frozen fruit (and some veggies) with low-fat Greek yogurt. Fill bowls with toppings like granola, chopped nuts, and coconut flakes.
7. Energy balls or bars: Mix dates, nuts, seeds, and rolled oats and press into bar shapes or roll into bite-sized balls when the kids need a sweet and energizing snack.
8. Turkey and Cheese Roll-Ups: Provide a lean protein source like sliced turkey to help kids get enough protein. Wrap turkey slices or chicken breast slices around cheese sticks for a fun, portable snack.
Dreaming up healthy snacks for kids is easier than you think. Children need to see new foods on their plate many times before they are willing to try them, so parents need to stick with healthy snacks even if the child doesn’t want to try them at first. There is.
