HUNTSVILLE LIVING | DECEMBER 2024 | 13
8 healthy snack ideas kids will love
Parents know that growing children need a lot of food . According to pediatric dietitian Hanna Leikin , MS , RD , CSP , LD , kids need a higher calorie demand per body weight compared to adults to support bone development , muscle growth and other bodily functions . Perhaps that ’ s why it seems like a stocked refrigerator or pantry can become barren in just a few days when kids are in the house .
Children are frequently looking for snacks between meals , which means that parents need to have a variety of snack foods at the ready for their youngsters . But it can be a struggle to find healthy snacks children will eat . With that in mind , parents can consider these eight healthy alternatives to less nutritional fare like chips or sugary treats .
1 . Fruit on a stick : It seems any food enjoyed on a stick is fun to eat . This is certainly an item for older kids , as parents won ’ t want to worry about younger children getting injured with the pointy wooden skewers . Simply slide a variety of chopped or sliced fruit onto the skewers and make a healthy , colorful snack . For an added bonus , include a small cup of low-fat vanilla yogurt for a fruit dip .
2 . Baby carrots and hummus : Who can resist baby carrots ? After all , they seem tailor-made for kids ’ small fingers . Pair with a homemade or store-bought hummus , which is full of protein and fiber . You can even find dessert hummus , which may prove particularly appealing to children ’ s palates .
3 . Crackers and cheese : Choose whole-grain crackers and a low-fat cheese . This provides the crunch of chips without the fat and calories . In addition , cheese adds protein and the benefits of calcium and other nutrients found in dairy .
4 . Nut butters and pretzels : Kids need unsaturated fats to spur brain growth and overall development . Nuts and nut butters offer these good fats . The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases says peanut butter can be given to kids as young as four months old , and that early exposure may prevent peanut allergies . Additional nut butters include almond and cashew . Let kids dip pretzels into the nut butter for a filling snack .
5 . Overnight oats creations : Let kids take part in building jars or containers of overnight oats with their favorite ingredients . When old fashioned rolled oats are mixed with low-fat milk ( or dairy alternatives ), raisins , granola , fresh fruit , chia seeds , and even low-fat yogurt and left to sit overnight , the result is a spoonable treat that ’ s ideal for meals and snacks . Plus the fiber in oatmeal will help keep children feeling fuller longer .
6 . Frozen smoothie bowl : This is a great alternative to ice cream . Simply blend your child ’ s favorite frozen fruits ( and toss in a few veggies ) with low-fat Greek yogurt . Serve in a bowl with toppings like granola , finely chopped nuts or coconut flakes .
7 . Energy balls or bars : Mix dates , nuts , seeds , and rolled oats and press into bar shapes or roll into bitesized balls when kids need a sweet and energizing snack .
8 . Turkey and cheese roll-ups : Ensure that kids are getting enough protein by offering a lean protein source like sliced turkey . Roll up a slice of turkey or sliced chicken breast around a cheese stick for a portable and fun snack .
Healthy snacks for children are easier to dream up than one may think .
It can take children several times of seeing a new food on his or her plate before being inclined to try it , so parents should stay the course with healthy snacks even if kids are initially reluctant to try them .
HUNTSVILLE LIVING | DECEMBER 2024 | 13