Children are in a phase of growth and need good nutritious snacks to help ensure a healthy mind and body development. Saying this, as parents, we must be careful to not give our kids too many treats or gourmet snacks, or if we do, we do it in moderation. Moreover, we all know life can sometimes be frantic and our food choices might not always be the best. A good way to influence your children’s eating habits is to have them help you create and make delicious healthy snacks (for you and them!).
Here are some simple snack ideas that can be easily made for their lunch or after school cravings!
The classic snacks
Image Source: thespartandiet.blogspot.com
Jumping for Popcorn
Popcorn is a super healthy snack that’s rich in a fiber and fun to eat! Pop out a bag of natural low-fat popcorn and season it with a bit of salt -and vola!- You’ve got a great, healthy snack for you and them.
Cheese sticks
kids love cheese. Give them cheese sticks or cheese strings, both are a great source of calcium and easy way to hold them over until dinner!
The famous celery sticks with peanut butter
There is nothing simpler (and as yummy) than celery sticks coated with a tablespoon of peanut butter. Celery is a vegetable that’s low in calories, and peanut butter is high in protien. It’s a win-win snack for all!
Simple recipes for you
Spicy Almonds
Enhance your toasted almonds with just a few spices!
Ingredients:
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons (10 ml) sweet paprika
- 2 teaspoons (10 ml) dark brown sugar
- 3/4 tsp (3 ml) salt
- 1/2 tsp (2 ml) Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 tsp(1 ml) cayenne pepper
- 2 cups (500 ml) natural almonds
Preheat oven to 350 ° F (180 ° C). In a bowl, beat egg white with paprika, brown sugar, salt, and Worcestershire sauce and cayenne pepper. Mix until you a get a smooth paste, and then add almonds. Stir until all the almonds are coated with the mixture.
Put almonds on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spray cooking oil as needed. Cook for 20 minutes. Spicy almonds will keep up for 5 days.
Banana Pudding
Bananas are an excellent source of protein and energy because they contain fiber and potassium. Here is a recipe for banana pudding that’s good for everyone of all ages! Note: it is very important you use ripe bananas.
Ingredients:
- 500 ml (2 cups) cups of skim milk
- 1 package (about 3oz) vanilla instant pudding
- 2 medium bananas thinly sliced
- 7 graham crackers
- 10 ml (2 tsp) brown sugar
Combine milk and pudding mix in a bowl and set it aside. Then, in a square pan crush the graham crackers to cover the bottom of the dish. Pour pudding mixture on the graham cracker base. Add banana slices on the top and then sprinkle with brown sugar.
Cinnamon Chips & Yogurt Dip
This recipe is very easy to prepare and ideal for children.
Ingredients:
Source de l'image: poulet.ca
- 2 whole grain soft tortillas 25 cm (10 in.)
- 5 ml (1 tsp) canola oil
- 5 ml (1 tsp) sugar
- 2 ml (1 cup) raspberry jam
Fruit Dip:
- 125 ml (1/2 cup) plain yogurt
- 125 ml (1/2 cup) ripe raspberries or
- 5 ml (1 cup) raspberry jam
Preheat oven to 400 ° F (200 ° C). Brush olive oil on one side of the tortillas, then set aside. In a bowl, mix the sugar with the cinnamon and sprinkle the mixture on your tortillas. Cut tortillas into wedges and put them on a baking sheet and place in oven for about 15 minutes. For the dipping sauce, crush the fruit and mix it with the yogurt. Serve chips and dip together!
These are simple snacks that you and your kids will love! Schedule them at events, and of course not less than two hours before dinner. Ask your kids to help you make them and they’ll learn that eating healthy is easy. The younger they understand how to make healthy snacks, the more likely they’ll always be eating healthy!
What are your suggestions for gourmet or healthy snacks and meals at home?
