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If you have a child, you know the challenges of making healthy yet tasty food for them to eat every day. Children are picky eaters and of course generally gravitate towards unhealthy food options instead of preferring a healthy snack. It’s an Olympic level challenge to make healthy snack options for kids and to make them tasty!
What Should Kids Be Eating?
Kids have unique dietary needs because they are growing and need specific nutrients to help their growth and development but remember that it’s very important to consult with a pediatrician or a registered dietitian if you have specific concerns about your toddler’s dietary needs or if you’re considering any dietary changes. Here are some important things to keep in mind when thinking of healthy snacks for kids.
Fruits and Vegetables
Fresh Fruits and vegetables provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Examples include bananas, apples, berries, oranges, carrots, sweet potatoes, broccoli, and spinach.
Fruits and vegetables are our best friends! Find scrumptious vegetarian meals here!
Whole Grains
Whole grain options such as whole wheat bread, brown rice, oats, and whole grain pasta provide fiber and energy.
Protein
Protein such as lean meats (chicken, turkey), fish, eggs, tofu, legumes (beans, lentils), and dairy products (yogurt, cheese) support muscle growth and development.
Dairy or Dairy Alternatives
Dairy options like milk, cheese, yogurt, or fortified plant-based alternatives (like fortified soy milk) ensure an adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D for bone health.
Healthy Fats
Foods rich in healthy fats such as avocados, nut butters, seeds (chia seeds, flaxseeds), and fatty fish (salmon, tuna) support brain development and overall growth.
Iron-rich Foods
Iron-rich foods like lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, lentils, fortified cereals, and dark leafy greens prevent iron deficiency and anemia.
Healthy Snacks
Healthy and nutritious snacks are good for in between meal snacks such as sliced fruits, vegetables with hummus or yogurt dip, whole grain crackers with cheese, or homemade muffins made with whole grains and fruits.
Finding healthy, kid friendly snacks can seem like a chore, let us help out with these recipes!
Limited Sugary and Processed Foods
Limit the intake of sugary snacks, sugary drinks, and processed foods high in salt and unhealthy fats. These foods offer little nutritional value and can displace more nutritious options from the diet.
Plenty of Water
Encourage children to drink water throughout the day to stay hydrated. Avoid sugary beverages and excessive juice intake.
Small, Frequent Meals
Small, frequent meals and snacks accommodate their small stomachs and energy needs. This can help ensure they get the nutrients they need throughout the day.
10 Easy And Healthy Homemade Snacks For Kids
Small and easy meals throughout the day can be the answer to your needs because not only do they provide nourishment but also there is less room for unhealthy sugary sweets and snacks! Here are some healthy snack ideas for kids.
1. MINI YOGURT AND FRUIT BOWLS
This mini treat is perfect if you’re looking for a healthy snack for kids, its also great as a healthy dessert!
This colorful favorite is all about fun and since there are no unhealthy additions, it not only makes the perfect healthy snack for kids but it’s also so colorful. The best part is that the possibilities are endless! It’s not only delicious but also provides a good balance of protein, vitamins, minerals, and fiber, making it a healthy snack option for kids.
2. BANANA, AVOCADO, AND APPLE MUFFINS
All kids love sweet treats, but keeping them healthy is the real problem for all moms! Instead of store brought muffins, you can make your own healthy tasty muffins at home that your kids will finish off in a wink! These Banana, Avocado, and Apple Muffins are not only moist and flavorful but also make healthy lunch snacks also packed with nutrients from the fruits and whole wheat flour. They make a perfect snack or breakfast option for kids.
3. PUMPKIN HUMMUS WITH VEGGIES
A dip bowl is a surprisingly good way to make a healthy snack a lot of fun. Children love dip bowls especially if it’s sweet and savory. Pumpkin Hummus with Veggies is not only a delicious dip snack but also one of the best low calorie snacks packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals from the chickpeas, pumpkin, and assorted vegetables. It’s a healthy and nutritious snack option that’s perfect for kids.
4. CARROT FRIES
All kids love French fries and while they might not be the most harmful thing for kids, it is still deep-fried potatoes and constitutes as unhealthy. The best way to cut out French fries is not to prohibit it but to make a healthy version of French fries like these carrot fries. These Roasted Carrot fries are a nutritious alternative to traditional potato fries and make one of the best diet snacks packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. They make a delicious and colorful snack or side dish that’s perfect for kids and adults alike!
5. A PEACHINI BOWL
If you want to get your kids to eat more zucchini, this Peachini smoothie bowl is the perfect way! This smoothie bowl combines fresh peaches and zucchini for a bowl of tasty goodness and the best part is, the kids won’t even know its zucchini inside! This Peachini smoothie bowl is not only tasty but also makes one of the best healthy snacks packed with vitamins and minerals from the fruits and vegetables, making it a healthy option for kids to enjoy! Feel free to adjust the ingredients and toppings based on your kids’ preferences and dietary restrictions.
6. CHEESY GARDEN ROLLS
Whenever the kids want something filling but also cheesy, the best thing to make are these Cheesy Garden rolls which are not only super delicious and oozing with cheese but also nutritious with spinach and chicken inside!
Healthy Snacks For Kids
These cheesy chicken and spinach egg rolls are not only tasty and kid-friendly but also a great way to sneak in some healthy spinach into their diet. Feel free to customize the filling with other ingredients your kids enjoy, such as diced bell peppers or mushrooms.
7. CHEESY VEGGIE EGG POPPERS
Another great cheesy option for when the kids want something gooey and cheesy are these cheesy veggie egg poppers which are not only tasty but have veggies hidden inside them that make them nutritious too! These cheesy veggie mini egg muffins are not only delicious but also packed with protein and veggies, making them a wholesome choice for kids. You can customize the recipe by using your child’s favorite vegetables or adding herbs and spices for extra flavor. Enjoy!
8. CRISPY CHICKEN CUCUMBER ROUNDS
Chicken and cucumber go amazingly well together and are always available at home! If you’re looking for a recipe to use these two ingredients and also make a tasty snack for the kids, then this recipe wont just be the kid’s favorite, you will love it too! It also works as an appetizer or a tasty starter for any menu! These cucumber and chicken bites are not only tasty and nutritious but also easy to make and perfect for little hands to pick up and enjoy. They make a great snack, appetizer, or light meal option for kids, whether at home or on the go. Enjoy!
9. GREEK YOGURT BERRY PARFAIT
Sometimes all kids want is dessert and most times, its predictably ice cream but you don’t always have to say no if its homemade. This Greek yogurt and berry parfait is perfect if you or your kids are wanting a healthy sweet treat! Its low calorie and makes one of the best healthy snacks for kids. It’s also a good way of making sure kids eat essential fruits and don’t eat processed sweets.
10. RAINBOW HARVEST SALSA
Want to use fresh fruits and vegetables that are in season and make a healthy snack for the kids? This is it! One of the best healthy snacks, this fruit and veggie salsa is not only colorful and flavorful but also packed with vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy snack option for kids. It’s a great way to encourage them to eat more fruits and veggies in a fun and tasty way! Enjoy!
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