Teens can be very selective when it comes to just about everything in their lives, as their hormones are fluctuating. Nutrition is no exception, but you can camouflage healthy foods by making them yourself with healthier ingredients. Get rid of the chips and cookies that teens automatically go to so they aren't an option, and have healthy, tasty choices on hand when their appetites soar.
Buffalo Chicken Bites
Snacks high in protein always are healthy options for teens because they take longer to digest than carbohydrates and sugar, so they will stay full for longer periods. Meat is a rich source of complete protein and if you add some flavor they won't even realize they are eating a healthy snack. Buffalo chicken bites are full of flavor and provide 16 g of protein. The recipe calls for trans fat-free margarine, hot pepper or barbecue sauce, canola oil, boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into cubes, salt and freshly ground black pepper. This high-protein snack contains only 150 calories and 9 g fat.
Grilled Tuna Quesadillas
Tuna also is very high in protein and you can make it more appealing to your teen by making it in a grilled quesadilla. This is a quick snack that is easy to make: It calls for drained tuna in water, light mayonnaise, whole wheat tortillas and low-fat cheddar cheese. Grill them in extra virgin olive oil to add flavor and healthy fat. The whole wheat tortillas provide complex carbohydrates, which your teen's body converts to energy. Cheese is another source of protein in this tasty, nutritious snack.
Dark Chocolate-Covered Fruit
If your teen is craving a sweet snack, replace her chocolate candy bars for chocolate-covered fruit. Opt for dark chocolate because it is high in antioxidants and generally lower in sugar than milk chocolate. Make it a fun fondue so she is intrigued by melting the chocolate and adding a natural sugar substitute such as stevia to sweeten the bitter flavor of dark chocolate and prevent her blood sugar from going through the rough. Slice up fresh fruit such as strawberries, bananas and pineapple and let her dip the fruit in the melted chocolate. You can add natural peanut butter to the chocolate for flavor as well as healthy fats and protein. Peanut butter will also help her feel full longer.
Baked Sweet Potato Fries
You actually can let your teen indulge in fries, but not the ones from a fast-food restaurant. Make healthy sweet potato fries at home with medium sweet potatoes, extra virgin olive oil, salt and paprika. These fries are beneficial a few hours before your teen has practice or other physical activities because they provide healthy carbohydrates. Add even more taste by adding seasonings, such as oregano, and dipping sauces, such as organic, low-sugar ketchup or light ranch.
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