Imagine your son or daughter, face lit up in anticipation over a snack you are about to place before them. Their eyes widen, smiles spreading across their cheeks as they reach in, and proceed to devour, the sweet-sticky-salty yumminess. As the food spreads to their faces, fingers, and tummies, they finish it off to the last crumb and turn to you asking for more.
As parents, we know this scene quite well, and it warms our hearts to see our children so happy. Yet we usually only see this type of excitement over food when it’s a type of food we ourselves are not excited about them consuming. I personally believe that the “unhealthies” are fine in moderation – cookies, brownies, cake and frosting, washed down with a glass of sugary fruit punch – after all, they can taste divine. But wouldn’t it be great if we could see our kids enthusiastically eating healthy snacks as well?
We all want our kids to be both healthy AND happy, and with these tasty healthy summer treats it is possible to do both. Whether our family is having a big party, a playdate with a few friends, or it’s just the three of us picnicking on a blanket in the back yard, these healthy snacks are tried-and-true for kids as young as age 2 and as old as… well, the adults that come with them.
Kate’s Fresh Veggie or Melon Kebabs
Fruit Ideas:
Melon, balled or sliced
Strawberries, stems removed
Mango chunks
Nectarine slices
Optional: honey, for drizzling
Veggie Suggestions:
Baby tomatoes
Cucumbers, sliced
Broccoli florets
Optional: Mozzarella cheese balls OR cubed firm water-packed tofu
Use any fruit or vegetable that can be sliced or skewered whole. Lay fruit kebabs on a plate and drizzle with honey if desired. Add cheese or tofu to the vegetable skewers for extra substance and protein, and dip in hummus (see below). To make sliced fruit or veggies even more fun, use small cookie cutters to make them into shapes. Kids love making these almost as much as they like eating them!
Michelle’s Pita Chippers
1 pkg. pita bread or soft tortillas
olive oil or cooking spray
salt
Preheat oven to 400˚F. Cut each pita circle into eight wedges and lay them on a baking sheet. Apply oil and salt to taste on both sides of the pita. Bake for approximately 7 minutes (watching closely) until lightly browned and crispy. Remove from oven and allow to cool before scooping into some Yum Yum Hummus, or another dip of your choice!
Yum Yum Hummus
15 oz. can (or 2 cups cooked) Garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
3/4 tsp. Minced Garlic
2 tbsp. Tahini (optional)
2 tbsp. Lemon juice
1/2 tsp. Salt
2 tbsp. Olive oil
Optional: Roasted Red Pepper Hummus: add 1/2 medium Roasted Red Pepper
Combine all ingredients in a food processor or blender and blend until
very smooth, scraping down sides and adding water in small increments
as necessary for smooth consistency. For optimum flavor, chill for
two hours to overnight before serving. Great as a spread or dip for
crackers, pita bread, chips, veggies. etc.
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Michelle Mersy, C.P.C. is the mother of two wonderful children who like to eat HEALTHY, 🙂 and a certified Life and Parenting Coach. She affirms, “Stop just wishing things could be different. They can be, if YOU do something different. Coaching will make that difference.”
989-397-8386 ~ [email protected]
www.MichelleMersy.com