Teach your children healthy snacking habits from day one so they are on the right track to eat healthy for life. You might want to try designating a snacking zone like the kitchen to prevent hours of snacking in front of the television. Healthy snacks are beneficial to children, as they supply energy, provide essential nutrients and curb hunger between meals. Providing your child with a nutritious diet is key to her physical and cognitive development.
Apples and Bananas Dipped in Peanut Butter
Apples and bananas are both rich sources of vitamin A and potassium. Vitamin A supports your child's eyes and skin and potassium is vital for proper function of organs, tissues and cells in your child's body. Potassium is also an electrolyte, which helps conduct electricity in your child's body. When you let your kids dip these fruits in a small bowl of melted natural, low-sodium peanut butter, it gives this healthy snack more appeal. Peanut butter adds nutrient value to this snack, providing your child with healthy fats. It will also keep your child full for longer periods than if he just eats fruit.
Reduced-Fat String Cheese
String cheese is an easy snack that you can give to your kids when they are headed out the door. Reduced-fat options are healthy choices to avoid high saturated fat content. String cheese is traditionally mozzarella and loaded with calcium and protein. Calcium is essential for healthy bones and teeth and protein is critical for development, as it exists in every living cell of your child's body. String cheese is not a significant source of simple carbohydrates or sugar, so it will not spike your child's blood sugar levels.
Whole Grain Snacks
Carbohydrates are the body's most significant source of energy. If your has a full day of activities, complex carbohydrates are key to sustained energy. You should offer whole grain snacks such as whole-grain tortillas, pretzels and cereals that are high in fiber as well. Your child needs complex carbohydrates for energy for her cells, tissues and organs. Other whole grain snack choices include whole grain bagels with reduced-fat cream cheese, whole wheat toast topped with natural peanut butter or whole grain crackers and reduced-fat cheese.
Fruit Smoothie
Satisfy your child's sweet tooth with homemade, all natural fruit smoothies. To guarantee that your child will like the smoothie, let her choose the fruit she wants in it. Blend the fruit with ice and fat-free yogurt or skim milk. Add a natural sweetener if it is not sweet enough, but refrain from adding sugar. Blueberries are a healthy addition to your child's smoothies, as they provide the body with antioxidants. Antioxidants protect your body from free radical damage such as air pollutants, smoke and ultraviolet rays. Fruit is packed with essential vitamins and minerals that your child needs for proper growth and development.
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