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10 Healthy Snacks for Hungry Kids
When it's not yet mealtime and little tummies are grumbling, try some of these great snacks to keep kids satisfied. They'll love the taste of these child-pleasing nibbles, and you'll be glad to know they're eating something healthy.
Growing children's tummies fill up quickly, and active kids need more calories than they can get during meals alone. Snacks can account for up to 20 percent of your child's daily energy and nutritional requirements, making nutritious and good-tasting snacks an important and necessary part of your child's day. While health experts agree that most foods in moderation will work with a child's diet, they also agree that good eating habits are learned, and parents should provide a balance of food choices for the entire family.
So how do you get your kids to eat snacks that aren't loaded with sugar, sodium, and fat? Try including the kids in food preparation! Young children in particular often enjoy being in the kitchen and taking part in what they may think of as a grown-up activity. Children are more likely to eat something they've helped plan and prepare—a real plus for parents of finicky eaters. In addition, involving your child in planning and preparing snacks will not only give you quality time together, but begin teaching basic life skills and help your child learn to make healthy food choices.
If you've hit a roadblock when it comes to creative snack preparation, don't give up. Try these nutrient-packed snacks instead—your kids will never suspect they're eating something good for them!
Peach Petal Salad
Sweet and juicy, peaches are a fresh fruit favorite. Your child can put a spoonful of cottage cheese onto a plate while you cut a peach into slices. Then together, you and your young helper can arrange the slices into "petals." Try putting some berries in the middle for the center of the flower. Delicious!
Ants on a Log
Tell a toddler you're giving him peanut butter on celery and he may give you an uneasy look in return—but tell him you're making Ants on a Log and you're likely to pique his interest. Simply spread some peanut butter or cream cheese on a celery stick and let your child put on the raisins or chocolate chips for the ants. If you have animal crackers in the house, you could try "Tiger on a Log" or "Lion on a Log," too!
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