With the rise in childhood obesity, it is important to encourage your children to eat healthy snacks. However, it's often difficult to get children excited about vegetables and other healthy foods. The solution is to become creative so your children will actually enjoy healthy eating. Involve your children in the preparation when appropriate -- they'll enjoy the food more while learning how to snack healthy.
Smoothies
Smoothies are a creative way to hide a variety of nutrients in a delicious and energizing snack. Store-bought smoothies often have too much sugar and additives, so make your smoothies at home. Combine frozen fruit such as mangoes, pineapple and all types of berries, low-fat milk, 1 or 2 tbsp. low-fat yogurt, a few ice cubes and even vegetables that blend well, like spinach, cucumbers or kale. For a delicious tang, add lemon or lime juice. Choose fruits with vibrant colors so your child will be excited about the look of the smoothie. For instance, a mixture of strawberries and blackberries creates a beautiful purple treat.
Yogurt-Dipped Bananas
The Kids Health website recommends yogurt-dipped bananas, which your child may be able to make on his own. Peel two bananas and cut each one in half. Put a wooden stick in one end of each banana piece. Dip each banana into vanilla yogurt to coat it and put the bananas on wax paper. Freeze for about two hours. Your child will enjoy eating these healthy, fun treats she made herself.
Healthy S'mores
For a healthy take on an ice cream sandwich or s'mores, try the American Dietetic Association's suggestion. Sandwich frozen yogurt and banana slices between two graham crackers. If you haven't got frozen yogurt, use regular yogurt or even peanut butter. This is a simple snack even small children can master. Lay out the ingredients and let her have fun making them.
Smiley Face Snacks
Restaurant chains might be on to something when they create smiley faces out of pancakes, chocolate chips, whipped cream and cherries. For a healthier version that involves all the food groups, try Kansas State University's "Food Group Funny Face." Spread 1 tbsp. peanut butter in a circular shape on half of a graham cracker. Use 1 tbsp. shredded cheddar cheese for the hair, peas for the eyes, 1/2 grape for the nose, and four or five raisins for the smiling mouth.
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