A growing child needs the energy she gets from food, but simply does not get all she needs in one single meal. This makes the inclusion of nutritious snacks a vital part in the diet of a child. Nutritious snacks provide vitamins and nutrients while keeping energy levels high between meals. Giving your preschooler snacks that come at a regular interval between meals prevents her from refusing a meal because of a snack coming soon. It is vital that snacks do not replace meals, but be used to supplement them.
Raw Fruits and Vegetables
It is hard to go wrong with a snack consisting of fruits or vegetables. No matter what type you choose, you are getting a snack that is rich in numerous vitamins and minerals. Fresh fruit and vegetables are convenient, healthy and easily stored. Some favorites of children include seedless grapes, strawberries, apples, blueberries, bananas, raspberries, pears, broccoli and carrots. A healthy dip made from low-fat salad dressing, guacamole or hummus may make the vegetables more appealing to picky eaters.
Homemade Flavored Ice
Popsicles are popular with preschoolers but are often loaded with sugar and preservatives. Homemade flavored ice can be made from any type of 100 percent fruit juice with the exception of pineapple, which fails to freeze properly. Simply pour the juice into ice cube trays or individual size paper cups, place a stick or toothpick in the center and place the juice in the freezer and allow it to sit until it is completely frozen. Remove the flavored ice by running the cup under warm water for 10 seconds. For a creamier flavored ice treat, fat-free yogurt can be added to the fruit juice prior to freezing.
Peanut Butter Pinwheels
Peanut butter is a treat that many children favor so peanut butter pinwheels typically go over well at snack time. Take a fresh whole-wheat tortilla, which can be purchased in the refrigerated section at your grocery, and top it with 1 tbsp. of chunky peanut butter and a drizzle of honey. Sprinkle a little granola over the top, roll the tortilla up and cut it into bite-size pieces.
Preschool Parfait
A preschool parfait is a snack that the children will enjoy helping you create. You need 2 cups of vanilla or plain yogurt, 1/4 cup of your child's favorite whole-grain cereal and 1/2 cup of fresh fruit. Take two parfait glasses and fill them halfway with yogurt. Next, add half of the cereal and fruit. Follow that with the remaining yogurt before finally adding the rest of the fruit and cereal. Eat right away or place in the refrigerator until snack time.
References
- "Snacktivities: 50 Edible Activities for Parents and Children"; MaryAnn F. Kohl; 2003
- "Food for Tots"; Janice W. Woolley; 2001
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