Snacking can be healthy if done correctly. Healthy snacks can provide kids with the essential energy they need to get through the day and help ensure that children get all the nutrients they require. Also, if you prepare healthy snacks for you child you can ensure that she is eating foods that will help her reach and maintain a healthy weight.
Bean Dip
You can make a healthy bean dip that will provide your kids with a diet-friendly snack. Place 1 cup serving of your favorite cooked beans --- such as black beans or pinto beans --- into a blender. Add to this 1/2 cup of baby spinach leaves, 1/2 cup of carrots and 1/2 cup of broccoli. Blend these vegetables with the beans until they create a creamy spread. Flavor the spread with your favorite spices, such as cayenne pepper or garlic. Serve the creamy spread in a bowl and allow your kids to dip whole grain crackers or vegetables. This naturally low-fat snack is high in both fiber and protein, which will help fill your children up, making it a diet-friendly snack choice.
Pizza Toast
A healthy and easy pizza-inspired snack can be made with fiber-rich whole grain bread slices. Simply toast a slice of whole grain bread to the desired level. While the bread is toasting, slice up a tomatoes and warm up a small amount of marinara sauce. Once the bread has toasted, cut it into four even squares, then spread the marinara on each piece, adding a tomato slice or two. If you child has another favorite vegetable, add it to the pizza bite and top everything off with a small amount of sharp cheddar. To get the cheese to melt, place the bite-size pizzas in the microwave for 20 seconds or less.
Fruit and Nut Salad
Kids need servings of fruit in their diet every day, and fruit is naturally low in calories and contains zero fat. Cut a number of different fruits that your child does not normally get to eat into bite-size pieces. Use fruits such as kiwi, peaches, cherries, pineapples and mangoes in your fruit salad. This will give your child exposure to new fruits and vegetables. Place the cut fruit into a bowl and mix in 1 cup of chopped nuts such as walnuts or almonds. Mix all these ingredients together and serve. This low-calorie snack contains high amounts of fiber and a healthy amount of protein.
Add Yogurt
Non-fat yogurt can be used to create a healthy diet-friendly snack for your child. Place 1 cup of non-fat, plain-flavored yogurt in a bowl. Slice up bite-size pieces of bananas, apples and strawberries. Let your kids use toothpicks to dip the fruit slices into the yogurt. Also, fiber-filled dry cereal pieces, such as shredded wheat, can be dipped into the yogurt. This snack is fat-free, high in fiber and rich in vitamins and minerals.
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