Recipe Ideas for Snack Time at Home
Children of all ages are always growing and learning. To aid in healthy growth and development, a healthy and balanced diet is very important. Many parents can agree, it’s easy to feel burnt out and out of ideas when planning healthy meals and snacks - especially for the picky eaters!
In this article, we’re going to take a closer look at the importance of healthy snacks for your children, how to create a balanced plate and three healthy snack ideas to try!
The Importance of Healthy Snacks
Your child is bound to get hungry in between meal times. When they are feeling a little peckish, or really hungry, providing them with a healthy snack can help to fill them up and provide them with energy to continue growing and enjoy their day.
The benefits of healthy snacks for your growing child can include:
Improved digestion
More energy
Better sleep patterns
Aid in growth and development
Reduced risk of certain health conditions
More diverse palate
While it’s very important to ensure your little one is eating a well-balanced diet complete with a range of whole foods, they can indulge in the odd treat here and there! As we always say, everything in moderation!
Creating a Balanced Plate
It’s important that your child has a range of healthy foods each day. But, which foods should they have, how much and how often? While this can look different for each child, based on factors such as their age, health and food intolerance, the 2021 Canada Food Guide suggests the following:
Have plenty of vegetables and fruits
Choose whole grain options
Eat foods that are high in protein
Make water your drink of choice
To start, fill at least half of your child’s plate with fruits and vegetables, such as apples, bananas, berries, cucumber, broccoli, or avocado. Next, add some whole grains, such as brown rice, toast, pasta, or quinoa. Don’t forget the protein! Chicken, turkey and eggs are all great options.
Children are notorious for being picky eaters at times and tend to have favourites. Building a balanced plate may need a strategic approach from time to time, but it is well worth it!
3 Healthy Snack Ideas to Try
Cinnamon Apple Chips
Easy, healthy and quick to make - cinnamon apple chips are a great snack option for your child! You will want to choose a crisp apple variety, such as Honeycrisp, Pink Lady or Granny Apple. For this recipe, you will also need help from an air fryer!
Ingredients
2 crisp apples
2 tsp granulated sugar
½ tsp cinnamon
Steps
Thinly slice your apples into rounds.
Toss apples with sugar and cinnamon in a large bowl.
Place apples flat on a single layer inside the air fryer. You may need to do batches, based on the size of your air fryer.
Bake at 350℉ for 12 minutes, flipping every four minutes.
Fro-Yo Fruit Bites
The perfect addition to any snack time or breakfast! Fro-yo bites are sweet, refreshing and easy to make.
Ingredients
1 ½ cups plain yogurt or greek yogurt
¼ cups whole milk
2 tsp honey
½ tsp pure vanilla extract
½ cup blueberries
½ cup strawberries, quartered
½ cup raspberries
Steps
Combine yogurt, milk, honey, and vanilla extract in a medium bowl, then whisk until smooth.
Using an ice cube tray, distribute the mixture evenly into each cube mold.
Spoon the fruit into each cube mold evenly. Once the fruit is evenly distributed, place in the freezer.
Freeze for at least five hours or overnight. Enjoy!
Ants on a Log
Ants on a Log is a classic healthy snack - and for good reason! Not only are these easy to make and have very few ingredients, but they are also filling and delicious.
Ingredients
Celery
Peanut butter
Raisins
Steps
Cut celery stalks into half.
Spread peanut butter evenly across each piece of celery.
Place raisins along the peanut butter, just like ants on a log!
Enjoy!