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Healthy Snacks to Make with Kids

Many of us are trying to make healthy food choices after all the treats and goodies during the holidays. It’s also the time of year when the weather can limit outdoor playtime. So what’s the solution? Making delicious, healthy snacks with the kids!

Making homemade snacks doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. Use food that you already have on hand and give your little chefs the opportunity to participate.

Start with a classic. Everyone loves hot chocolate on a chilly day. You can use a mix or make your own. Have your little ones help with the dry ingredients while you handle the stove or microwave.

To boost the nutrition in your hot chocolate, try an add-in. Cinnamon is a kid-friendly spice with lots of anti-oxidants. A little maca powder will add depth to the flavor of your drink as well as fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

You can even try adding a pinch of cayenne to your hot chocolate. It gives the creamy drink a little kick of flavor and may improve digestion and clear congestion.

If you’re making your own hot chocolate, try using raw cacao powder. It will need some extra sweetening, but is packed with anti-oxidants, fiber, iron, potassium, and magnesium. It even has a good amount of protein.

Not sure where to start with homemade hot chocolate? Here are some recipes from Allrecipes to inspire you.

One of our favorite ways to pack nutrition into snacks is by making hummus. This kid-friendly Middle Eastern dip can be flavored with roasted red peppers, spinach, or sweet potatoes. Use fresh fruit and veggies or pita chips for dipping.

Most hummus recipes are quick and easy. Little ones can help measure and gather ingredients. Older kids can help add ingredients to the food processor. Teenagers might surprise you and come up with ingenious recipes of their own.

Time in the kitchen is time well spent. Your kids will enjoy the time together and when they’re old enough, they can start cooking healthy snacks for you!

Pumpkin Power!

With the crisp days of fall, our thoughts turn to pumpkins. They’re everywhere! Decorating homes and porches, carved as jack-o-lanterns, and made into delicious pies. And we can’t forget pumpkin spice…everything!

But did you know that humble pumpkins are healthy vegetables that you and your kids will love? It doesn’t have to be made into a sugary dessert to taste great and pack nutrition into a snack or meal.

Like other orange veggies like carrots and sweet potatoes, pumpkins are a great source of vitamin A. All vitamins are best absorbed through food rather than supplements and vitamin A supports eye, heart, and kidney health.

Pumpkins are also rich in potassium, which promotes bone health, and fiber, which supports a healthy digestive system.

There are lots of ways to use pumpkins as part of your regular meal and snack rotation. Some of our favorite ways to use them are in muffins and creamy pumpkin soup. It is also a great ingredient in a stir-fry, a smoothie, a curry, a quick bread, or even added to mashed potatoes.

Pumpkins are quite easy to grow in your home garden. They’re easy to find in the fall and last a long time stored in a cool place. When fresh ones are out of season, use canned in your recipes instead. It still packs a nutritious punch.

It’s time to think of this versatile veggie as a year-round part of a healthy diet for the whole family!

What are your favorite ways to eat pumpkins? If you have a favorite recipe, share it with us!

Kid Chefs and Summer Treats

Yogurt Bowls

Kids love to be a part of creating summer treats. When your child can help choose ingredients they’re more likely to try something different and healthy.

So try replacing ice cream with a yummy yogurt bowl! Gather a few ingredients for your child to choose from and allow them to help assemble their treat. Not only does your child get a healthy treat, you enjoy a fun activity together.

Here are a few suggestions for ingredients to try.

Yogurt: Greek Vanilla, Lo-Fat Vanilla, Strawberry, Coconut Based Vanilla

Fresh Fruit: Strawberries, Blueberries, Raspberries, Banana, Mango

Toppings: Mini Dark Chocolate Chips, Shredded Coconut, Granola, Rice Chex Cereal, Pumpkin Seeds, Craisins

Drizzles and Sprinkles: Honey*, Nutella, Cinnamon, Chia Seeds, Rainbow Sprinkles

*Only use honey if your tiny chef is over 2 years old

Flavor Infused Water

Strawberry, Cucumber, and Mint Water Recipe

Infused water is a great hydration choice for both children and adults. It adds nutrition and flavor to water and makes it easier to get the fluids we all need to stay healthy and active.

Your little ones can tear up mint leaves and help mix ingredients into the water for this summer treat while you handle the slicing.

Choose your favorite ingredients

Crushed or sliced strawberries

Sliced cucumbers

Torn mint leaves

Directions

Mix your chosen ingredient with water

Refrigerate overnight for a more flavorful infusion. Strain into your child’s favorite insulated water bottle. This is another step your young chef can help with – just be sure to strain over the sink!

Your kids will love the taste and drink more water and you’ll love the nutrition boost they get with their hydration.

Head over to our From the Kitchen page for Fairfax Foods news and the latest article on healthy foods for healthy families.