Fun and Healthy Snacks
May 12th, 2009For kids, playing outside in the hot summer heat may stir up quite an appetite. Enjoying a nice big ice cream cone or something from the ice cream man could be very tempting. To avoid such temptations there are many alternatives for a healthy, refreshing snack for children and even adults to enjoy. Here are some ideas that kids could even help with:
Popsicles Made at Home
What you need: Popsicle molds (can be found in any grocery store), and juice
Suggestions: Kool-Aid, other drink mixes, white or purple grape juice
-Citrus juices do not freeze as well.
Pour the juice into the Popsicle mold and place the mold in the freezer until completely frozen.
Frozen Yogurt Pops
What you need: Popsicle molds, 1 cup yogurt, 2 cups frozen fruit
Place the yogurt and frozen fruit into a blender. Blend together. Then, pour into the molds and place in the freezer until completely frozen.
Frozen Orange
What you need: Oranges, orange juice
Cut the top of the orange peel off and then pull out the orange. Place the orange in a blender with some orange juice and blend. Pour into the empty orange peel and then place into the freezer for a fun treat that the kids can create.
Pita Sandwiches
For those who are bored of the basic sandwich.
What you need: Whole-wheat pitas, lunchmeat, and cheese
Just open the pita and place a few slices of lunchmeat and cheese inside. This snack is great, because the kids can decide what they would like to put inside of the pita.
Wrap Twirls
What you need: Spinach, tomato, or wheat wrap; lunchmeat; and cheese
Fill wrap with any kind of lunchmeat and cheese and then roll it up. Slice the rolled up wrap into 4-5 slices. Hold the slices together with colorful toothpicks to add some creativity that the kids will enjoy.
Cold Salads
Cold salads such as, potato salad, macaroni salad, and pasta salad could be a fun treat if placed into decorated Dixie cups.
Click Here for a delicious pasta salad recipe from Epicurious.com!
Raw Veggies and Dip
What you need: Raw veggies, fat-free ranch dressing
Start by washing the veggies and then cut them up. Put the dressing into a dish with the veggies placed around the dish for a refreshing snack that everyone will enjoy.
Cracker Possibilities
What you need: Crackers, lunchmeat, and a variety of cheese
Cut up the lunchmeat and cheese and place on a tray with the crackers. This is a fun treat for the kids, because the possibilities are endless.
Trail Mix Made at Home
What you need: Whole grain cereal, peanuts, dried fruit, and chocolate chips
Place each ingredient into a Ziploc bag and shake for your own created trail mix. This snack can keep the kids involved because it can be taken on the go.
Healthier Chips
Potato chips are a big mid-day temptation. Instead of the regular bag of greasy fried chips, try making your own!
Slice potatoes very thin, and season with your child’s favorite seasoning or some grated cheese. Place the potato slices in a single layer on a cookie tray and bake until light brown and starting to crisp.
Or, if you want to grab a healthier alternative chip, check out this article on what chips to buy!
Cookies and Milk
Cookies don’t always have to be filled with chocolate chips and sugar to taste good! Websites like WholeGrainGourmet.com focus on taking your favorite recipes and making them healthier using whole grains.
So while a big ice cream cone is a good treat every once in awhile, try these healthier alternatives to keep your kids fueled up throughout the summer.
