4 Healthy Snack Ideas for Kids

Getting Kids To Eat Healthily

Every mother will agree – feeding kids is a cumbersome and tiresome task. And things get insanely tricky when it comes to feeding them anything ‘healthy.’   Kids, these days are extremely finicky when it comes to eating right and with the plethora of junk options available it’s nowhere close to easy when it comes to convincing the brats and bring them onto a healthy plate.

So, if you are already tired and losing the steam running after your little ones, these instant and highly healthy snacking ideas should breathe a new lease of life into your super hectic schedule. Why? Because we bring you 4 interesting healthy snack ideas for kids!

Here Are 4 Healthy Snack Ideas

1. Healthy Granola Bites

Most kids love to munch on chocolate bars. Now, you can replace these unhealthy bars with some very healthy granola bites. Here’s a quick snapshot of this highly yummy recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1-2 cups of oats
• 1 cup of flaxseeds
• 1 cup of rice cereal
• One small cup of chocolate chips
•  ½ cup of honey
• Two teaspoons of vanilla extract

Method:

1. Put all the ingredients in a large bowl.
2. Once all the ingredients are well-mixed, use your hands to make medium-sized balls.
3. Refrigerate for 1-2 hours and give them to the kids whenever they feel hungry between their meals.
4. You can also add a few bites to a glass of cold milk and serve it as a delicious chocolate smoothie.

How Is This Snack Healthy?

Oats is a versatile ingredient that has enough fibre and proteins for the kids. Because of its neutral taste, it can be used as a savoury as well as a sweet snack. Flax seeds improve brain function and boost the development of eyes and brain tissue in kids. And the benefits of honey are numerous. Together, this snack is an excellent combination of healthy goodness for the kids.

Despite expert recommendations, most toddlers consume sugary drinks and more sweet and salty snack foods than fruits and vegetables, Healthy snacks help manage kids’ hunger and boost nutrition and may help prevent overeating at meals.

Dr. Ashish Bajaj, MBBS, MD in Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology

2. Pizza

Pizza and healthy? Yes, that’s indeed possible! Make the bread at home using multi-grain aata or pick up a packet of whole-wheat pizza dough at a grocery store near you!

And to make a lip-smacking version of the toppings follow the below recipe:

Ingredients:

• Sliced and finely chopped bell peppercorns – the red, yellow and green versions
• Pineapples
• Olives
• Mushrooms
• Corn

Method:

1. Mix all the ingredients in a large bowl and if you want to make it healthier add a spoonful or two of flavoured yoghurt to it.
2. Preheat the oven and place the pizza with the mixed toppings in it.
3. Bake it till golden brown and serve hot.

How Is This Snack Healthy?

As soon as you mention Pizza, the image it paints is that of a high-fat frozen food delight that has no good whatsoever. But with a whole wheat pizza dough, the pizza base is low in calories and fat. Your child will gain fibre, essential nutrients and complex carbohydrates. Additionally, a pizza is a great way to get the kids to eat veggies.

Healthy snacks help manage kids’ hunger and boost nutrition. Snacks can keep them from getting so hungry that they get cranky. Snacks may help prevent overeating at meals. And for picky eaters of all ages, snacks are a chance to add more nutrients to their diets.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD(Pediatrics)

3. Healthy Chocolate Chip Cookies

A favourite any time snack, this one is loaded with almonds, uses coconut oil instead of butter and honey instead of sugar. Therefore, it surely can’t get healthier than this!

Ingredients:

• 100 grams of finely diced almonds
• 50 grams of coconut oil or any vegetable oil
•  ½ cup of honey
• 2-3 tablespoons of dark chocolate chips
• 1 -2 tablespoons of water
• Sliced pieces of almonds

Method:

1. Mix all the ingredients mentioned above in a bowl except the sliced pieces of almonds.
2. Preheat the oven to 150 Degree Celsius.
3. Keep ready a tray with baking paper.
4. Wet your palms a little. Take a spoonful of mixture in your hand and make medium-sized balls. Place a sliced piece of almond on top and keep adding the ready ball to the tray.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes till they start to get lightly brown on all sides.
6. Along with the kids, you too can munch on a few without feeling guilty!

How Is This Snack Healthy?

For those who struggle to get their kids to eat dry fruits, this chocolate chip cookie recipe with almonds instead of flour is heaven-sent. And almonds contain healthy fats, proteins, magnesium, fibre and vitamin E.

4. Popcorn Salad

Don’t fret at the thought of the kid asking you for popcorn! Give it to them but of course, the nutritious way.

Ingredients:

• 2-3 cups of air-popped popcorns
• Freshly cut and lightly sautéed carrots, zucchini and bell pepper, corn shreds
• Lightly sautéed corn kernels
• Lemon juice
• Coriander
• Salt and black pepper

Method:

1. Mix all the veggies in a large bowl.
2. Once they are thoroughly mixed, add the fresh air-popped popcorns.
3. Sprinkle a little salt, black pepper, and some lemon juice. (Don’t put a lot of lemon juice, else the popcorns will get soggy)
4. Prep it up with finely chopped coriander
5. Serve immediately

Conclusion

Getting children to eat healthy foods is a tough task, but these healthy snack ideas and with a little innovation can be a success!

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability, or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation of the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.