Thursday, August 20, 2009

20 Healthy Snack Ideas


We had a discussion recently in my forum to talk about the kinds of healthy snacks your kids love best. Most moms agreed that fruits, yogurt and crackers of all kinds are what they usually reach for to feed their little (and BIG) ones when tummies start rumbling. One of my favorite snacks posted was from Allyson at Musings of Allyson: wife and mommy. She posted a recipe for Honey Milk Balls and now I am going to share it with you! Stop by my forum and add your favorites to the list!

Honey Milk Balls
1/2 C. honey(local is best since it also helps control allergies)
1/2 C. peanut butter
1 C. dry milk solids
1 C. dry rolled oats

Knead all ingredients until well-mixed. Shape into small balls and chill for best result. Doesn't that sound delicious?

Fruit skewers with yogurt dip

Apple Sandwiches(Parent's magazine): Slice apples across to make round circles. Use a mini cookie cutter or knife to cut out seeds. Spread with nut butter and a dab of jam. Put 2 slices together and serve. So cute and yummy!(pictured)

Veggie sticks with hummus, white bean or avocado dip

Mini pizzas made with ezekiel bread or pita

Ezekiel or spelt bread spread with almond butter and sliced banana

Fruit smoothies(100% juice, frozen fruit and fresh spinach)

Yogurt parfaits

Mini sandwiches(egg, tuna, or chicken made with canola mayo)

Steel cut oatmeal with milk, butter, walnuts, raisins and strawberries

Organic(no sugar added) canned baked beans with ak mak crackers for dipping

Trailmix: walnuts, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, dried fruit, mini dark choc chips and low sugar granola

Nitrate-free deli turkey rollups with cheese sticks in the middle

Avocado toast

Cottage cheese with fruit

Mini bean and cheese burritos(stir flaxmeal into beans)

Edamame pods and fruit

Veggie cream cheese(finely chop veggies and mix with cream cheese) on top of crackers, pita bread, toast, etc.

Black bean quesadillas with guacamole

Whole grain pasta salad with cold chicken cubes, parmesan cheese, italian dressing, chopped veggies and olives

Healthy mini muffins

Fun ways to make old snacks new:
-let the children make their own snack
-make fruit fun, instead of sliced fruit, serve melon balls or fruit on a stick with dip
-sandwiches: use different types of bread like pita, whole grain slices, tortillas, etc.
-never underestimate the power of dip: serve low fat ranch, mashed avocado, cream cheese, nut butters thinned with canola oil for veggie dips

3 comments:

Brilliant Sulk said...

Hey you have some great ideas here. Even though I cook for a living my kids get the short end of the stick because I'm so exhausted at the end of the day (I know, not a good excuse)

No smoked duck or lobster risotto for them. Just plain old pasta....

The Mommy Chef said...

Mmmmm...I want to come to your house, Amanda! I would glady bring your kids some pasta in exchange for the duck or risotto.LOL!

Brandie said...

What a great idea turning a forum discussion into a post. Look how cool you are!!!