Healthy snacking is just as important for kids as it is for you. More so for kids, because their young bodies need the right nutrients to grow. So while you might want to let your young ones snack on junk foods that are your favourites too, make sure you limit it to the bare minimum and include more healthy snacks for kids in their diets. Here’s how to go about it.
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1. Are Store-Bought Snacks For Kids Unhealthy?
2. Easy To Make Snacks For Kids
3. Snacks Time For Kids
4. FAQs
Are Store-Bought Snacks For Kids Unhealthy?
Processed foods aren’t suitable for kids or adults. And processed food doesn’t only include ready-to-eat meals; it also consists of any food that had been canned, baked, or dried. Even if sold as a healthier alternative to other commercially available products, most processed foods contain an unhealthy amount of salt and sugar that you, and especially your kids, can do without.
The best way forward is to avoid processed foods altogether as snacks for kids, which means everything from breakfast cereal to cheese, baked goods, fruit juices, fruit yoghurt, chocolates and candies, and more! Alternatively, you can start reading labels on all the food you buy–avoid or limit buying and snacking on items with added salt and sugar. If your kids love certain processed foods, build them into their diet in small measures, making sure the rest of the menu is healthy and wholesome.
Check out this infographic for some of the ingredients to watch out for in packaged foods and why!
Tip: Whether or not you choose to discontinue or limit processed foods for your kids, eating healthy is still possible with smart changes to snacks for the kids‘ menu.
Easy To Make Snacks For Kids
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Check out these healthy snacks for kids!
1. Homemade peanut butter
Roast a cup or two of dry peanuts on the gas. Be careful not to overdo it! Allow cooling before running in the food processor for about five minutes. Add honey and salt to taste and mix well. Your peanut butter is ready! Serve to your kiddos with sliced fruits like apple and pear, celery, carrots, etc. You can also make almond or cashew butter the same way. Top with chopped roasted nuts to make for chunky snacks for kids.
2. Chocolate banana bites
Cut the banana into ¼ inch thick rounds. Freeze for a while. Melt dark chocolate over a double boiler or in the microwave. Dip the banana bites in the chocolate, ensuring even coating. Place onto baking sheets and freeze until the chocolate hardens. You can also sandwich two banana bites with peanut butter in-between before coating with chocolate for nutritious snacks for kids.
3. Frozen yoghurt
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Whisk yoghurt to get rid of lumps. Mix in honey to taste. You can choose to add your choice of fruit pulp to this–think mixed berries or mango. Nuts and seeds also make an excellent addition or topping. Freeze the yoghurt in a tray or container. Once frozen, cut into bars or cubes or serve scooped in a bowl. Top with fresh fruits for snacks for kids.
4. Vegetable and fruit crisps
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Homemade crisps as snacks for kids are so easy to make and yummy! On the plus side, they’re free of additives and preservatives. To make vegetable crisps from carrots, potatoes, or beets, simply slice these veggies thinly, toss in olive oil and salt and pepper, and bake in the oven at 230°C for 20-25 minutes or till done.
For fruit crisps, thinly slice fruits like apple, banana, pear, jackfruit, etc. Toss in freshly squeezed lemon juice to prevent browning. Sprinkle sugar or spices like cinnamon on top and bake at 180-200°C for 20-25 minutes or till done.
5. Dried fruit bites
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Process walnuts, dates, and shredded coconut in a food processor until evenly combined. Add in salt, cinnamon, or vanilla extract to taste. Mix well and roll into balls. Coat in melted dark chocolate if required or serve as is.
Tip: Snacks for kids don’t have to be elaborate or time-consuming to make. You’re sure to love these easy recipes!
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Snacking becomes bad for health when it is unplanned, random, and never-ending. If your kids eat around the clock, it can interfere with their appetite and keep them for developing the instinct for fullness and hunger. As such, make sure snack times, just as meal times are planned for the day.
Note that kids and teenagers need fuel every three to four hours, so plan three meals and two snacks for children through the day. Offer snacks a couple of hours before and after meals.
Tip: Plan and prep ahead for meals as well as snacks, and you’ll be good to go! Do be a little flexible to allow for day-to-day schedule changes.
FAQs
Q. How to get kids to eat healthily?
A. If you have a picky eater or two at home, these tips will come handy to get them to eat healthily.
- Give your kids the freedom to choose meals and snacks. Offer a couple of different healthy options that they can pick from.
- When introducing new foods, mix them with tried and tested ones or favourites. Let kids plate on their own to encourage them to eat healthily.
- Get your kids involved in the entire process right from grocery shopping, picking recipes, and cooking. This will help them understand and appreciate the value of food from a young age.
- Practise before preaching. If your kids see you eating or snacking on unhealthy foods, they’re not going to make healthier choices either.
- Be patient with picky eaters. Keep trying new recipes and varied combinations to get kids to eat healthier.
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Q. What are some tips for kids to snack healthy?
A. Here are some dos and don’ts:
- Control serving sizes; snacks for kids shouldn’t be a replacement for meals.
- Withholding snacks before a meal can increase appetite, leading to kids eating more and healthier during mealtime.
- Teach kids mindful eating and snacking. Don’t mix food with screen time or other activities.
- It’s easy to confuse hunger for thirst, so encourage kids to stay hydrated. Say no to fruit juices loaded with sugar though; make your fruit juices and smoothies for maximum nutrition sans extra calories.
- If you’re trying to curb non-stop snacking, put in an extra hour between meals and snacks by keeping them busy in activities.
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