Worldwide, more than 40 million children are obese, 14.4 million of whom live in the United States. This translates to just over 19% of 2-19 year-olds in America being categorized as obese. There are a number of reasons that can influence this, including lack of physical activity with the rise of digital devices, as well as the fact that oftentimes, unhealthy food is the easier and the cheaper option.
A person’s attitude to food is often shaped in early childhood, so a child who grows up with unhealthy eating habits is more likely to go on to have unhealthy eating habits during their adult life. This is the same with anything; children who grow up fasting during Ramadan will likely continue to do so, and children who grow up playing a sport stand a high chance of going on to continuing that sport in adulthood.
We know that poor diet and obesity can lead to a range of serious health complications later down the line, so it’s important to instill healthy eating into your children from as young an age as possible.
One of the best ways to do this is by introducing healthy snack alternatives. This isn’t to say a bag of chips or some cookies can’t ever be eaten, but making sure you’re not giving chocolate and candy as a standard snack is essential.
Now, getting children to eat healthy snacks is no mean feat, with most turning their noses up at the slightest hint of fruit or veg, so with this in mind, making fun snacks is a top priority. We’ve put together a list of five deliciously healthy snacks that are good for your children’s insides, and they look appealing on the outside, too!!
1. Smoothie Ice Lollies
Who doesn’t love an ice lolly? They’re the perfect snack on a hot summer day. They’re refreshing, tasty and they’re fun to eat, but they also contain huge amounts of sugar. This is because many have artificial colors and flavors, with added sugar for sweetness.
The good news is, it’s easy to make a sweet, cool treat at home that is just as good as the boxed ones, but that don’t have as much sugar or bad ingredients in.
Rather than simply freezing fruit in water, why not make a smoothie? Blend together things like strawberries, bananas and natural fruit juice, freeze it with a stick in it and voila! You have a scrumptious icy snack that’s healthy and cheap to make.
2. Fruit Kebab
There’s something about eating food off of a stick that is just so satisfying and fun, and that’s why kebabs are a fail-safe children’s snack. Rather than loading them up with meat, create a fruit skewer instead. Take things like grapes, bananas, strawberries and melons, use mini cookie cutters to make fun shapes (stars, circles, triangles) and slide them on the skewer alternatively.
One or two fruit kebabs is the perfect accompaniment to any movie night or lunch time dessert.
3. Pepper Sticks
Do your children love candy straws and snakes? If so, swap them out with pepper sticks! They come in all the same colors (red, green and yellow), but they’re far healthier. To make them, simply cut bell peppers long ways, put them in a glass jar and tie a ribbon around the top. There you have it! A colorful, healthy snack that’s fun to eat, sweet to taste and nice to look at.
4. Apple Crisps
If your children are the type who love nothing more than a bag of chips after school, try swapping them for apple crisps. They’re just as crunchy, just as sweet and far healthier, plus, they don’t take long to make, either. You can buy apple chips from stores, or you can make your own if you want complete peace of mind as to what’s inside them. Simply get an apple, thinly slice it, sprinkle it with cinnamon and bake until each slice is crispy and has a satisfying snap. Serve in a bowl and you have a great alternative to otherwise salty chips.
5. Frozen Yoghurt Buttons
Sweet treats aren’t for everyone; some children prefer something slightly creamier and smoother, in which case frozen yoghurt buttons are a good option. They couldn’t be simpler to make as long as you leave a few hours to allow for freezing. All you have to do is get some fruity yoghurt (or plain yoghurt and add in chopped up berries or fruit pieces), dab half a teaspoon onto a freezable tray and put them in the freezer for at least six hours to firm up. Super yummy and far healthier than candy buttons!
Will you be trying any of these healthy snack alternatives?
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
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