Tasty Yet Healthy Snacks for Kids
Kids tend to feel hungry every now and then, but that does not mean you should let them eat what they want. Most kids fancy chips and cookies that may be delicious and mouth-watering, but far from being nutritious. Packaged snacks contain added sugars, refined flour, and artificial ingredients that are neither wholesome nor beneficial for growing kids. It is better to prepare snacks for them at home using quality ingredients. Here are some snacks that are healthy and easy to be made at home.
Yogurt
This can be a go-to snack for everyone at home, especially for young children, because it is an excellent source of proteins and calcium, both of which are needed for growth and bone development. Yogurt is a rich source of probiotics, and can aid digestion. It is best to choose the full-fat plain yogurt instead of the ones containing added sugars, or prepare it at home and sweeten it with fruits or honey.
Cottage cheese
This makes it to the list of healthy and easy snacks for kids. Cottage cheese is rich in calcium, selenium, and vitamin B12 that helps in bone growth and brain development. Making snack items with cottage cheese is simple, and you can use fresh or dried fruits as toppings or spread them on toast.
Oatmeal
This is not only an ideal breakfast food for everyone but also one of the healthy and easy snacks for kids because of its high fiber content. It is best to choose oatmeal made from whole rolled oats and not flavored ones. To enhance the taste, you can also add some cinnamon or diced apples and berries.
Popcorn
Who would have thought that popcorn would make it to this list? The truth is that popcorn is made from whole grains, and is, thus, a nutritious snack. Sprinkling grated Parmesan cheese on it can boost its flavor. But, be sure to not use unhealthy toppings.
Celery
Celery with raisins or homemade hummus can make for an excellent snack. Moreover, it is a great way to make your kid munch on vegetables if they are a picky eater. This combination also offers a great balance of nutrients.
Nuts
These are perhaps the handiest snack items that are rich in fiber, healthy fats, and antioxidants. However, some kids may be at risk of allergic reactions and choking hazards; so, it is best to keep them away from nuts if they exhibit allergic symptoms or are too young.
Fruit smoothie
This can be an excellent snack when your child is fussy about food. You can pack in a lot of ingredients in a single fruit smoothie. However, when making smoothies, be sure to avoid canned or packaged ingredients.
Roasted chickpeas
These become golden and crunchy when roasted, making them rather fun to be munched on.
Muffins
This is an old favorite with kids. You can easily bake healthy muffins at home using blueberries, bananas, oats, carrots, pumpkin, and even zucchini.
Apple chips
Have you tried slicing apples into thin strips, sprinkling some cinnamon on them, and popping them into the oven? Once crisp, these homemade apple chips will be just as delicious as store-bought ones.