Nowadays, it's so easy to just buy snacks at the local grocery store because they're cheap, quick, and convenient. However, they're not very healthy because mass-produced items like these are filled with harsh preservatives and unnecessary ingredients.
Snacks are important to children because they are more active in the day. They need the energy to play and study, but they don't have to settle for junk food to help them get through the day.
It's spring, and a lot of fruits and vegetables are in season, and these are great items you can use for snacks. If you want to instill good eating habits in your children, what better way than to involve them in the kitchen? Here are some healthy springtime snacks that you and your kids can make together.
Carrots and HummusNot a lot of children love carrots on their own because these munchables can be kind of dry and the aftertaste is just not everyone's favorite. Make eating veggies like carrots more fun by combining them with hummus.
You can make this healthy snack more visually appealing by putting baby carrots (make sure they're standing upright) on a bowl with hummus. The carrots will look as if they were freshly plucked from the soil.
Here are recipes that details how to make the hummus from scratch and how to assemble it. It's fun to make with your children because it shows them that it's okay to play with food this way.
Once you have a few cups made, the children's reward would be eating their hard work. If you're not a fan of the website's zucchini hummus, you can always buy a tub from the store or use a recipe from the one you like.
Marshmallow and Fruit KebabsA quick and easy way to make a snack out of fruits is to incorporate something they like to eat, like marshmallows and a bit of cheese. When you're cutting up the fruits, make sure to supervise your children when using the knife, or if the kids are too young, cut up the ingredients yourself and have the kids help assemble instead.
Take advantage of the colorful springtime fruits available, and make your kebabs colorful as well. You can use berries as well like grapes and other fruits, like raspberries, melons, avocados, blueberries, cherries, and even papaya.
Fruit Smoothie PopsiclesFeeling the heat already? Fruit popsicle smoothies will help you and your kids cool down as you contemplate what fun activities you want to do for the fast-approaching summer. While it's easy to just buy popsicles for everyone and call it a day, it can be fun to make something with your kids.
Although it may take a bit of prep time to make a whole batch for fruit smoothie popsicles especially if there are different flavors involved, you can choose to do one at a time or use what is available.
The great thing about this recipe is that you can just add ice and drink the leftover smoothie straight. Additionally, this makes a healthier choice compared to store-bought popsicles that have way too much sugar than you know.
Oatmeal and Peanut Butter BallsThis is a wonderful snack you can easily make and pack for your kids during road trips. You only need a few ingredients: rolled oats, peanut butter, maple syrup, and some milk. You can substitute the dairy with nondairy alternatives like almond milk. Then you'll need chocolate chips and some sprinkles for decoration.
Mix the dry ingredients, and in a separate bowl, combine the wet ingredients. Then mix both the dry ingredients and the wet ingredients. When they're thoroughly mixed, add the chips and sprinkles, and form the oatmeal and peanut butter balls by hand.
Mini Tortilla PizzasPizza is a food that everyone loves-all meat, pepperoni, veggie, pineapple or none, and even with anchovies. This is a springtime snack that will definitely get kids excited because it's pizza and they can decorate it any way they want to.
The reason mini tortilla is used instead of the usual crust is that it's much more manageable this way and you can control the portions. You can use any sauce or topping that you like.
Add a Little MoreMaking snacks with your little ones is a great and fun way to meal prep for the week as well. You can pack the food you made together in their lunch boxes as well.
You know what would be a great way to add a little more? A handwritten note or a little surprise! Consider getting a Japanese subscription box so you never run out of things to surprise your loved ones, whether you want to give them unique treats or toys.
What are your favorite springtime snacks, and do you make them with your kids? Leave a comment below.
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