Halloween is fast approaching, and the goblins will be demanding their treats! Candy and other sugary treats are great for that one spooky night and even occasionally at other times, but with child obesity on the rise it’s good to think in terms of healthy snacks for kids.
There are so many fun and interesting snacks for kids now that are healthy as well as tasty. Whether it involves combining fruits or veggies, or some other healthy food, or just buying something already prepared from the grocery store, there are plenty of choices out there to keep our kids from craving only the sugar. Food doesn’t have to be boring for kids to get those important nutrients into their growing bodies.
Healthy Snacks For Kids
Jacqueline Plant, Fraya Berg, and Lori Brookhart-Schervish of Parents Magazine helps us out with “The 20 Best Snacks for Kids”. They suggest:
- Whole grain cereal – packed with vitamins, calcium, and fiber
- Cheese – can be cut into fun shapes to make it more interesting
- Smoothies – yogurt, bananas, and orange juice as a base
- Healthier baked goods – zucchini muffins and banana bread – great choices
- Yogurt – good source of calcium
- Quesadillas – can include beans and cheese or chicken/shrimp
- Sweet Potatoes – source of Vitamin A
- Peanut Butter
- Hummus – contains folate, B6, and iron
- Noodles – contains complex carbs
- Snack Mix – mix up a combination of nuts, pretzels, popcorn
- Low Fat Ham – roll up a slice with some cheese
- Raisins – source of fiber, potassium, and vitamins
- Whole Grain Waffles
More Healthy Snacks For Kids
Cooking Light has some scrumptious-sounding healthy “kid-approved” snack recipes such as party bean dip with baked tortillas, spinach parmesan dip, chocolate crunch, monkey bars, and heavenly apricot cobbler bars just to name a few.
Keep on hand carrot sticks or other raw veggies with some fat-free ranch dip for the kids to munch on. Keep these snacks front and center in the fridge so they see them easily. Also, try to keep snacking in designated areas such as the kitchen, instead of while watching TV.
As you can tell, it’s really not too hard a task to gather ideas for keeping our children eating healthy. It’s so important for our growing kids to get the right foods to their bones and bodies. And teaching them healthy eating habits now can lead to a lifetime of healthy dietary choices. So here’s to healthy snacking for you and your kids! No tricks – just treats!