Creative Fun Healthy Snacks for Kids
Parents are always looking for alternatives to cookies and candy when it comes to giving their kids snacks. Since childhood chronic conditions such as Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes and celiac disease are on the rise, parents want, and need, healthy snack alternatives. Instead of the same-old boring snack routine, try some creative snack ideas that are sure to please any kid's palate.
Gluten Free
Kids with celiac disease are allergic to gluten, and anything containing it, such as wheat, is off-limits. Get creative and hand your kids a gluten-free waffle topped with natural peanut or almond butter. Decorate with raisins or sesame seeds.
Low-Carb
Diabetics may have to cut back on carbohydrates, but they don't have to avoid tasty snacks like a chocolate-mint cup. Just layer low-fat, sugar-free chocolate pudding and sugar-free whipped cream and mint sprigs.
Make your own low-carb pizza that is sure to delight any pizza-loving kid. Use soy flour for the crust and make low-carb sauce. Add toppings of your choice including Italian sausage containing zero carbs.
Sugar Free
If you are trying to cut back on sugar, feed your child healthy snacks such as carrot and celery sticks with hummus instead of the usual ranch dressing. If you're feeling extra-creative, whip up some sugar-free pinwheels for your child. Spread low-fat cream cheese on a soft, flour tortilla, add ham or turkey and roll up and slice into 1-inch pieces to make the pinwheels.
Low Calorie
Low-calorie ice treats are a snap to make. Pour your favorite pure fruit juice into ice pop trays, add a bit of low-calorie sweetener and an ice pop stick and freeze until firm.
Fruit Snacks
Give your child fruit and cheese kabobs as a healthy, protein-rich snack. Cut mild cheeses such as mozzarella or a mild cheddar into fun shapes with mini-cookie cutters. Chop cantaloupe or honeydew into cubes, add strawberries and grapes and place onto wooden skewers, alternating the cheese and the fruit.
Snacks for Kids with Poor Appetites
If you have a child with a poor appetite, give him a healthy smoothie as a snack. Take your child's favorite fruit, add milk or yogurt, ice cubes or crushed ice and blend until smooth. You can also add fiber or protein powder to the smoothie to make it extra-healthy.
Tags: your child, Snacks Kids, celiac disease, Creative Healthy, Creative Healthy Snacks, Healthy Snacks, Healthy Snacks Kids