Kids can make a mess from just about any snack, whether they're in the car on the way home from school or sitting in front of the couch. If you don't want to be vacuuming crumbs or wiping up after sticky fingers, there are options beyond unhealthy packaged foods. Many fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins can make delicious and simple snacks that won't leave you with another chore.
Fruit
Some fruits can be messy, especially when they're ripe and juicy, but you can circumvent this problem with creative presentations. Peeling and segmenting an orange eliminates its juicy mess, and freezing peach slices or grapes means juice won't drip all over the floor. To make fruit more interesting, freeze orange juice inside a hollowed orange or skewer apple slices on a kabob stick with some cheese. Cut fruits such as kiwi, starfruit and strawberries into fun shapes and arrange them into an edible picture or dip bananas in yogurt and nuts and freeze them overnight.
Vegetables
Getting kids to eat their vegetables can be a challenge, but, with the right presentation and accompaniment, you can make a clean snack that they'll gobble right up. If you aren't on the go, let your kids dip carrot sticks and celery slices into peanut butter, low-fat cream cheese or low-fat ranch dressing. If you're going to be in the car, prepare homemade potato chips by baking slices of sweet potatoes using a nonstick spray for about 20 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Make quesadillas with low-fat cheese, low-carb tortillas and a variety of steamed vegetables, such as broccoli, spinach, bell peppers, peas, corn or carrots.
Whole Grains
Some crackers and breads can leave crumbs, but fresh, moist whole-grain bread slices are generally crumb-free, making them a perfect conduit for small sandwiches and toast. Spread a slice with a little peanut butter and top it with banana slices or make a sandwich with lean turkey, tuna or white-meat chicken. Make granola bars and use plastic wrap as a wrapper or stuff a whole-grain pita pocket with scrambled eggs.
Dairy
Parfaits are simple to make and easy to carry, and, because everything is in a cup, you don't have to worry about crumbs or sticky fingers. Layer low-fat yogurt with fresh fruit slices and granola. Use flavored yogurt or stir in a little honey or cocoa powder if your children aren't fond of plain vanilla. Smoothies and shakes also are easy to transport, and, with a lid and straw, they are almost completely mess-free. Blend fresh mangoes with Greek yogurt to make a lassi or blend low-fat ice cream with skim milk, strawberries and bananas to make a healthy shake.
Member Comments