Getting kids to eat healthy can be challenging. Some children change which foods they like from one day to the next. Others would be rather eat processed junk foods all day. It can be difficult to continually come up with healthy snacks that the whole family enjoys. Healthy snacks don't have to take a long time to prepare, and having them readily accessible ensures healthier choices for everyone.
Veggies and Hummus
One of the quickest yet best family snacks is raw veggies with hummus. Hummus is a high protein dip made from pureed garbanzo beans, tahini, lemon juice and spices. It can be homemade or purchased in almost any grocery store. Raw, slices of vegetables like celery, bell peppers and even cherry tomatoes are excellent with hummus, and rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Though some children don't like eating vegetables, KidsHealth states that the more often a parent demonstrates healthy habits, like eating vegetables, the more likely the child will be to do the same.
Apple Slices with Peanut Butter
According to the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI), most snacks should contain either a fruit or a vegetable. Good choices include apples, which are high in vitamin C as well as fiber, making them filling in the stomach. Pairing two tablespoons of peanut butter with apple slices adds protein and healthy fats, balancing out the snack. Apples and peanut butter is a snack which contains all of the three main macronutrients: carbohydrates, protein and fat. This snack is also easy to prepare and tasty for the whole family.
Turkey and Cheese Roll-Ups
Turkey and cheese roll-ups are a healthy alternative to more fatty fare. Start with a few deli slices of turkey, and wrap it around a small piece of low-fat cheese, such as mozzarella. KidsHealth states that lean meats like turkey are a good source of protein for both adults and children, and cheese contains calcium, which strengthens the bones. The Center for Science in the Public Interest states that low fat cheese is a better choice than full fat cheese for snacks, since it has less saturated fat but just as much calcium.
Fruit and Yogurt Parfait
It's easy and fairly inexpensive for parents to make a family snack by topping low fat yogurt with berries or other fresh fruit, and a little bit of oats or granola. Low fat yogurt contains calcium and protein, while the fruit provides vitamins and fiber. When the ingredients for healthy snacks like fruit and yogurt parfaits are on hand and easily accessible, it is less tempting for both children and adults to eat junk foods.
