As parents of picky eaters know too well, getting your little ones to eat healthy foods for meals and snacks can often feel like a standoff. If you’re tired of dinnertime meltdowns and making the same bland snacks for your kids, there are some things you can try to help them expand their food boundaries.
Instead of arguing with your toddler, get them involved in making some healthy, colorful snacks that will tantalize their taste buds. Here are six of our favorite fun, healthy snacks for kids to make that even the pickiest eaters are sure to love.
1. Fruit kabobs
Your child will love to build their own snack that looks like a rainbow. Lay out some bowls of cut-up fruit, and help your child carefully slide the fruit on to a skewer. Try to include a variety of colorful fruits – strawberries, oranges, pineapple, kiwi, and blueberries are all good options! To add a bit of extra flavor and some calcium to the snack, your child can dip the fruit skewer in a bowl of fruit yogurt.
2. Granola
Granola is a treat that is not only good for your little ones, but it can also be customized to your child’s taste Mix ingredients like seeds, nuts, dried fruits, coconut flakes, and oats in a bowl, and top the mix with brown sugar, maple syrup, and a touch of olive oil. Put it in the oven for about 45 minutes at 300° F, let it cool, and enjoy!
3. Celery logs
An oldie, but a goodie! Place out some peanut or almond butter, and let your little ones fill halved pieces of celery with the peanut butter. If they are fans of raisins, let them place them on top. A great way to increase their protein intake, these crunchy little treats have stood the test of time for a good reason.
4. Cheesecake bites
Yes, even cheesecake can be a healthy snack! Have your little one cover a graham cracker with a mixture of cream cheese and their favorite fruits. Once finished, chill them in the refrigerator for around thirty minutes. Your little one will love this tasty treat, and they’ll also get part of their daily serving of calcium and fruit!
5. Banana and chocolate quesadillas
Cut up some bananas into small slices, lay out chocolate chips, and put a bit of butter on half of a tortilla. Have your little one place the banana slices on the tortilla, sprinkle with some chocolate chips, and fold the other half of the tortilla on top. Set it in a frying pan and flip until the chocolate chips are melted. To reduce sugar and up the healthy factor, you can try dark chocolate chips instead.
6. Peach smoothie
A smoothie is a perfect breakfast or after-school snack for your little one. Set up your blender, and have your little one add in half a cup of peaches, half a cup of peach nectar, a quarter cup of vanilla yogurt, and two ice cubes. Secure the lid, and let your child press the blend button until the smoothie is smooth. Serve with a silly straw to add a bit of flair to their healthy snack.
By getting your kids involved in the kitchen crafting colorful, fun snacks, they’ll be more likely to enjoy eating them! If they’re a bit too young to cook alongside you, set them up in their play kitchen and let their creativity run wild. Browse Step2’s range of interactive play kitchens today.
