Healthy Snacks In Yummy Disguises

 

We bet the only reason kids don’t eat more fruits and vegetables is because we tell them they have to. And healthy snacks aren’t always tempting, least of all for young palates. But we’re on a mission to make healthier stuff the thing cravings are made of. Here are some tips to get kids reaching for fruits and veggies more often than cake and candy.

JUST ADD PEANUT BUTTER

Peanut butter, especially the natural, organic kind, is chock-full of protein and healthy fats. And while it does wonders between two slices of bread, it pairs amazingly with almost everything. Treat this stuff like icing to get the young ones to eat more fruits and veggies – dip a carrot, ice a celery stick or make an apple slice ‘ice cream sandwich.’ Endless possibilities here, folks. We’ll start you off with the classic Ants on a Log recipe.

MAKE IT FINGER FOOD

If it looks fun to eat, kids are all about it. Cut the good-for-them stuff into sticks, cubes or balls. Or, take a cookie cutter to apple slices and watch the kids devour the heart, star or dinosaur-shaped goodness. Oh, and don’t forget where there’s dip, there is snacking success. Think honey, hummus or yogurt-based ranch. If you’ve got time for more than chopped fruit, try these fun recipes.

APPETIZE ‘EM

Kids will eat pretty much anything when they’re hungry and waiting around for dinner. Take this opportunity to set out a plate with veggies and dips. Done and done.

PLAY THE RAINBOW GAME

Tell your kids they’re on a mission to eat as many different colored fruits and veggies as they can in a day.

PLAY WITH THEIR FOOD

Dress up sandwiches with funny faces and shapes using vegetables and fruit. Because it’s more fun to eat your food’s nose and eyes than it is to eat a normal side of celery sticks.
Okay, so that’s just half the battle when trying to get kids to crave healthy snacks. The other part is making sure the healthy snacks are within reach:

    • Keep a bowl of fresh fruit in an accessible spot, or keep convenient bags of chopped up fruit in the fridge. 

    • Try to have veggies with every meal, and if you’re doing dessert, try to sneak fruit in there. 

    • Add raisins or dried cranberries to their lunchbox for a sweet, healthy treat. 

    • Last but not least, only keep healthy snacks in the goody drawer. 

Remember, it’s easier to eat healthy as an adult if you pick up those good habits when you’re a kid. Any tips and tricks you guys have up your sleeves?