As a parent, it can be an ongoing struggle to get your kids to consume healthy snacks. Kids are partial to yummy snacks, but nutritious and appealing choices are not always readily available. So the answer is creative, quick, healthy and enjoyable snacks that are fun to prepare and fun to eat! Here are five healthy snacks your kids will love to make.
1. Fruit and Yogurt Parfait
It is as visually beautiful as it is delicious. Vitamins, calcium and antioxidants make it a healthy snack for children.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of low-fat yogurt (plain or vanilla)
- 1 cup mixed fresh fruits (berries, bananas, mangoes, etc.)
- 1/4 cup of granola
Instructions:
Put the yogurt, a few chopped fruits, and granola on top in a glass or small bowl.
Keep putting on layers until you are at the top of the container.
Add a bit of honey or some chia seeds to the mixture for extra nutrition.
Why Kids Love It: The combination of smooth yogurt, granola, and juicy fruits is an aromatic experience. It’s also a lot of fun when you let kids put together their parfaits!
2. Veggie Sticks with Hummus
Eating sweet, steamed vegetables and accompanying creamy hummus can make a healthy, high-fiber, high-protein snack.
Ingredients:
- RAW Vegetables (carrots, cucumbers, bell peppers, celery)
- 1/2 cup hummus (purchased or homemade)
Instructions:
Clean and peel the vegetables into sticks or small pieces.
Place the veggies on a plate with a large spoonful of hummus in the middle.
Feel free to use a bit of paprika or olive oil on the hummus to give it extra flavor.
Kids Love It: The color and the dipping makes it a fun, interactive snack. Plus, the hummus is creamy and makes the veggies not too soggy.
3. Homemade Trail Mix
Shop-bought trail mixes are typically loaded with sugar and additives. Mix it up and make it healthier for your kids.
Ingredients:
- 14 cup unsweetened dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, apricots)
- 1 1/2 cup nuts/seeds (almonds, sunflower seeds, or peanuts)
- 1/2 cup whole-grain cereal or pretzels
A handful of dark chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions:
Mix all ingredients together in a bowl.
Use an airtight container for a grab-and-go snack.
What Kids Like About It: The sweetness, salt, and crunch make it an indulgence without being unhealthy.
4. Cheese and Apple Slices
This quick snack is a great way to pair natural sweetness with flavorful goodness while providing calcium, fiber, and healthy fats.
Ingredients:
- 1 apple (cut into tiny wedges)
- 2-3 slices of low-fat cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or whatever your kid likes)
Instructions:
Cut the apple into wedges.
Place a slice of cheese between each apple.
Place on a plate or skewer onto toothpicks for a decorative display.
Why Kids Love It: There is just nothing quite like the savoury and savory taste of it, and the bite size allows it to be carried around.
5. Banana Oat Energy Bites
This no-bake energy bites is a great way to stay busy. They are packed with oats, bananas and sweetness, ideal for quenching hunger cues in the middle of the day.
Ingredients:
- 1 ripe banana
- 1 cup of rolled oats
- 1 tablespoon of honey or maple syrup.
- 2 Tbsp peanut butter (optional)
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips or raisins
Instructions:
Grind the banana in a bowl.
Mix in oats, honey, and peanut butter.
Incorporate chocolate chips or raisins.
Form the batter into small balls and freeze for 30 minutes to set.
Why Kids Like It: These little morsels are chewy, chewy, and just sweet enough to not taste like dessert.
How to Make Snack Time Fun!
Get Children Involved: Let the kids assist in preparation. So whether it’s building a parfait or making trail mix, getting them involved makes them more likely to get the snack.
Explore Shapes: Using cookie cutters cut shapes from fruits, vegetables, or cheese sticks.
Give It a Dip: Kids love to dunk! Make snacks more tempting by pairing them with healthy dips such as hummus, yogurt, or peanut butter.
The Bottom Line
Snacks that are healthy need not be tedious or tedious. By following these 5 super simple recipes, you can ensure your children have healthy meals that fuel them through the day. Not only are these snacks high in nutrients, but they’re also cool, good and ideal for those with discerning taste buds. So try out these recipes and see snack time be the highlight of your children’s day.
