Leah Mullis
Gone are the days when parents regularly prepared healthy snacks for kids and themselves. Instead kids are fed a snack diet of sugar-filled, calorie-packed snacks and foods that are nothing but over-processed MSG foods. Sadly this has been linked to one of the causes for the high obesity rate in America’s kids and adults. There are some parents that have gone to the extreme of creating a no snack rule for their children. However, going to such extremes is not necessary as there are healthy alternatives – healthy snacks for kids – that parents can opt to give their kids instead.
Now I know what you are thinking “my kid is so going to hate this” especially if they have become accustomed to eating the “junk” snacks. Additionally you need not worry that your healthy snacks for kids menu include solely veggies and fruits; because let’s face it we all know most kids don’t like to eat their fruits and veggies – especially veggies. However, there is a solution; one that both you and your kids will love.
Healthy Foods for Kids – Snack Options
Instead of feeding your children foods such as: pizza, candies, and ice cream try these healthier options instead.
Let’s talk peanut butter – kids absolutely love peanut butter (PB&J sandwich = awesome). Peanut allergy? You can easily replace peanut butter with Split Pea Butter. Split Pea Butter looks and tastes just exactly like peanut butter. It was so much like peanut butter that my husband never knew that it wasn’t peanut butter until I told him. Go figure. Now if an adult can be easily fooled by a healthier option so can kids. Schools and day cares are cracking down on peanut butter due to the increase in peanut allergies. Split pea butter is a safe alternative whether your child has an allergy or not!
How about ice cream – this is another snack option that kids absolutely adore and it is hard for parents to find healthy snacks for kids food alternatives. The solution might be hard to find but not impossible. Instead of giving your kids ice cream, substitute it with yogurt. You can also choose to make home-made popsicles as well. Additionally if you want to give it a creamy look and taste then you can add yogurt to any natural fruit juice of your choice and freeze them to create a healthy popsicle for your child.
Additional healthy snacks for kids ideas include: • Baby carrots • Grapes – to prevent choking in smaller kids cut them in half lengthwise • Fruit cups – if store-bought buy ones that are filled with juice or water, not syrup • Yogurt cups – if store-bought check that they are not sweetened with aspartame or artificial sweeteners. Check out our recipe section for a build-your-own version.• Granola bars and cereal bars – use as a treat as they still have sugars in them• Dried fruit snacks• Trail mix – make your own with your kids’ favourites• Raisins• Natural fruit juices• Powdered healthy drinks such as: Amazing Oranges, Perfect Purple Health Drinks, Super red Drinks and CocoPlex Formula all from the Purity line of products. They taste great and your child will never know the difference. • Pancakes! What kid doesn’t love pancakes? See the recipe section of our website for a healthy alternative.• Fruit & milk shakes – I have some great recipes on our website.
It doesn’t even stop there when you are seeking out healthy snacks for kids as there are many other snack options. For instance you can ditch the candy and opt for digestive cookies instead. Remember that healthy snacks for kids need not taste like crap as they can be just as great (in fact better) than regular snack options.
Do you have some favourite recipes or snack ideas? Email us at leah@fromthediaperpail.com.
Helping you turn frustration into fun,
Leah MullisCo-FounderFrom The Diaper Pail Communicationshttp://www.FromTheDiaperPail.com
Colicky baby? Check out our ebook!
Leah Mullis is the co-founder of From the Diaper Pail Communications and co-writer of the Surviving Baby Colic ebooks. Leah works with families to promote strong, healthy, family-value based lifestyles. We’re here to help you survive parenthood!
Check out http://www.FromTheDiaperPail.com for more information.
Check out our ebook on Surviving Baby Colic at http://www.SurvivingBabyColic.com
