Kids love to eat and, left to their own devices, will likely make unwise snack choices. It is important to have snacks available for growing bodies. You should ask your child what they like to eat or simply observe them and use those foods for beginners. You can add new foods from time to time. If your child likes carrot sticks or broccoli florets, keep a bag of both in the refrigerator. It will be easier if the snacks are put into plastic containers or baggies in portion sizes. Depending on your child's age, you can do this together. If there are no 'bad' snacks in the house, children are more likely to go for what is available. This can diminish arguing. It is perfectly alright for kids to have dessert-like snack once in awhile. How about low-fat topping frozen between two graham crackers for healthy 'ice cream' sandwiches? Calorie friendly dips can be made from low fat salad dressings or low-fat yogurts. Many children will eat fruits and veggies better if they can dip them. It gives them a valid reason to 'play' with their food. You can use vanilla yogurt and let your child cut up strawberries or bananas with a plastic knife. They can toss in the blueberries. They can take pride in a snack they made themselves. You and your child can make white bean dip with four ingredients. You'll need four cloves from a roasted head of garlic, a 15-ounce can of drained cannellini (white)beans, and two tablespoons each of olive oil and lemon juice. Pulse in a blender until mixed. Serve with toasted wedges of pita bread, thinly sliced French bread, bagel chips or whole wheat crackers. You will be tempted to enjoy these skinny dips too! |
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