Kids Healthy Snacks

Why snacks?

Kids are picky eaters and they are never satisfied with lunch and tiffin. They always look for some creative snacks in the evening to fill their tummy. Most parents complain that their kids are “snackers”. Only thing you have to take care of is you cannot avoid giving them snacks, instead make sure that snacks time is a way to provide nutrient rich foods and vegetables in a creative way that will boost their energy levels and keep them active throughout the day. Also make snacks simple and give it in the appropriate time so that it does not affect their meals time.

 Don’t provide a packet of chips, crackers and cookies that are energy dense and poor in nutrition. Most of the packaged snacks are unhealthy and made of refined flour, added sugars and artificial ingredients.  When you provide snacks that are rich in whole grains, protein and fiber it offers a sense of fullness to your kids.  

Main components of snacks

Be sure the snacks you prepare are made up of protein, fats and fiber.

Protein: Proteins are highly essential for the growth of kids and the main sources of protein include meat, eggs, fish, nuts, yoghurt, milk and cheese.

Fiber: The main sources of fiber include vegetables, whole grain breads and cereals.

Fats: Fats are necessary for brain development and some sources of fat include olive oil, avocado, full fat dairy products, nuts, seeds and nut butters.

Some healthy snacks

Yogurt

Plain, full fat yogurt with fruits is an excellent source of protein and calcium for kids. Yogurt also helps in digestion as it contains good bacteria.

Cottage cheese

Cottage cheese is fresh and creamy and contains vitamins and calcium necessary for growth and development of children. You can top it with fresh or dried fruit or as a creamy spread on a wheat toast.

Popcorn

Popcorn is a nutritious whole grain. You can add little butter and cheese for extra taste. But popcorn is not an ideal snack for little ones as it can turn to be a choking hazard.

Nuts

Nuts are rich in fiber, fats and antioxidants and help support the growth of children.

Oatmeal

Oatmeal is rich in soluble fiber and tends to increase the number of bacteria in the digestive tract. You can also prepare oatmeal with milk to increase the protein in the food.

Veggie Pockets

In order to make your kids eat vegetables, prepare a whole-wheat pita pocket and add stuffing as vegetables like carrot, beans and cucumber. This makes them get the important vitamins and minerals from the vegetables.

Smoothie

Smoothie can be loaded not only with fruits but vegetables too. Add milk, almond and honey and this is one another way to make your kids eat vegetables.

Hard boiled eggs

Hard boiled eggs are an important source of vitamins, protein and calcium that are essential for brain and eye development.

Energy balls

You can make energy balls with whole chia seeds and ground flax which provide fiber, antioxidants and protein.

Fruits

The simplest form of snack is giving your kids slices of fruits like apples, guava, bananas and plums. This is the easiest way to get all the fibers, potassium and vitamins.

Cutlets, paneer rolls, sandwiches, soups and salads are few other healthy snack options.

Happy cooking and happy eating!