Making snack time both healthy and engaging for little ones can be a tough endeavor. As parents and caregivers we want to ensure our kids are eating healthy, fresh foods in order to support their growth, development, and never-ending (it seems) energy. Yet, when kids are young, their often rather picky with snacks as their tastes and palettes develop. So finding creative ways to sneak fresh fruits and veggies, fiber, and lean proteins into snacks is essential.
So forget the processed junk food, here are a few energizing snacks that your growing kids will love:
1. Guacamole and pita triangles
I bet you didn’t know that avocados contain more potassium than the much-celebrated banana? Not only that, but this fruit (yes, avocadoes like tomatoes are a misfiled fruit not a vegetable) is extremely versatile for baking, dips, salads, sauces and so much more! Plus, avocados are loaded with heart-healthy (monounsaturated) fats and appetite satiating fiber to boot. So what are you waiting for? Whip up a delicious dip with smashed avocados, lemon juice, garlic, and a bit of salt. You can even add diced or pureed veggies if you wish, and serve with toasted whole wheat pita cut into triangles for easy dipping.
2. Trail mix bars
Busy kids are always looking for snacks to grab and go…to soccer practice, swim lessons, dance, and a plethora of other activities. The granola bar makes a perfect, mobile snack option that a lot of parents depend on. However, most store-bought granola bar options are packed with trans fats and empty sugars. Thankfully, it doesn’t take much to prepare DIY trail mix bars at home. Ensure they’re packed with goodness, such as fibrous nuts, seeds, grains, sugar free dried fruit, and nut butter for protein-fuelled energy. You can get creative with the ingredients, just ensure they’re wholesome and nutritious. Then wrap them in individual wrap for single servings on the go.
3. Fresh fruit popsicles
Most store-bought ice pops are loaded with refined sugars that don’t do anything for kid’s energy levels or nutritional needs. Yet, try to make popsicles at home and you run the risk of them not being sweet enough for kid’s tastes. Luckily, you can make a quality ice pop by mixing a collection of fresh fruits for natural sweetness. Try blending chunks of peaches, strawberries, watermelon, mango, kiwi, and other assorted berries (i.e., blueberries and cherries) for a fruit pop that’s loaded with vitamins, fiber, and that kids keep reaching for.
4. Devilled eggs
Another conveniently portable snack is the egg. But plain old hard boiled eggs can be boring for little ones. So devil them up with a bit of hummus, mustard, or avocado by mixing up the yolks. Eggs are the perfect protein. Plus they offer an array of vitamins (i.e., vitamin D, B12, B6, B2, zinc, iron, and healthy fats) to support growing bodies, bones, and brains.
