Summer’s here, the sun’s out and very soon the unbridled energy of your kids will be unleashed upon your household. While they’re away from home they’ll want to spend some quality time with their friends laughing and playing in the golden sun (it’s where some of your best childhood memories were formed, right?). While they’re home it’s important to make sure that they have access to the kind of healthy yet tasty snacks to give them energy while they play and provide their growing bodies with the nutrients they need.
So here are some ideas for delicious treats loaded with fresh fruit and vegetables that are so irresistible your kids won’t even mind how low in sugar, salt, and saturated fats and how rich in nutrients they are… They’ll be too busy having fun.
All of these recipes are cheap and easy to make using wholesome and simple ingredients.
Smoothie pops
Every kid heading out on a hot summer’s day deserves an icy treat in their hand. But the store-bought ice creams filled with e numbers and artificial preservatives? No thank you! Dig out the blender (if you don’t own one allow us to point out some great ones) and treat your kids to a cold and delicious snack that’s full of pureed fruit, rich in natural fiber and vitamins.
Fresh fruit pizza
All kids love pizza, but not all parents love filling their children with refined carbohydrates and trans fats. A thick slice of watermelon is all you need for a healthy and delicious pizza base. When sprinkled with blueberry “meatballs”, strawberry “pepperoni” and slithers of banana “cheese” they make for a fresh and delicious summer treat that’s loaded with vitamins.
Fresh fruit kebabs with peanut butter dip
If your kids are anything like mine, they’ll go nuts for anything served on a stick that involves dipping. And these fresh fruit kebabs are tasty, nutritious and simple to make, especially when combined with the tasty and protein-rich peanut dip. Simply chop up cubes of apples, pears, banana, kiwi fruit or melon and combine with strawberries and grapes or segments of orange. The peanut butter dip is a simple combination of Greek yogurt (or non-dairy equivalent), peanut butter and syrup or honey to taste.
Apple Nachos
Little slices of apple give the crispy satisfaction of nachos without the trans fats and sodium. And instead of drowning them in oozing fatty cheese try drizzling them with some healthy peanut butter and maybe even a little chocolate syrup. Delicious!
Raspberry and quinoa smoothie
Quinoa is among the most nutritious grains on the planet and a great source of energy. It’s packed with protein, fiber and essential minerals like riboflavin, magnesium, and iron.
Healthy though it is, it’s not something your kids will rush for at the dinner table so this tasty smoothie is a great way to work them into a sweet and refreshing treat.
Brimming with energy as it is it’s perfect for breakfasts, or to replace lost energy after sports or energetic play with their friends.
Jhoei says