A reader recently asked:
Any ideas for organic, natural snacks my kids will actually eat? Apple slices and carrot sticks have worn out their welcome. I feel guilty microwaving processed snacks, but I’m out of healthier ideas. Any tips?
From the time my kids were toddlers, I’ve been an advocate of fresh snacks. Granted, there’s nothing like a cup of warm cocoa on a chilly winter afternoon or a lemonade cooler in the heat of summer. So maybe I went a bit far when I fed my high-chair-bound son green peas as dessert!
While there are many convenient snacks that can be prepared in the microwave, the jury is still out on the safety. Why risk it while the studies continue? There are plenty of fresh or quickly cooked alternatives that your children really will enjoy.
Here are few of my favorites:
1. Almond (or peanut) butter “lollipops-“a teaspoon scoopful to lick. Double-dipped in honey and you’re sure to be a hit.
2. Cut up apples, carrots or celery with almond or peanut butter to dip (kids love to dip and those apples and carrots will get a popularity boost).
3. Golden Cows: yogurt & orange juice popsicles. (These can be done with soy yogurt as well.) Be sure to buy organic juice, as conventional O.J. is made with the pesticide-laden rinds. To make, simply blend the ingredients in your food processor and freeze into popsicle trays or ice cube trays. You can also blend the ingredients and serve as a smoothie.
2 cups freshly squeezed/organic orange juice
1 cup plain yogurt or soy yogurt
3-4 drops of real vanilla extract
1 banana
1 teaspoon bee pollen
2 dates, pitted
4. A cup of fresh tomato, vegetable or noodle soup with whole-grain cracker crumbles for extra fiber and crunch. On cold afternoons, melt a bit of digestion-friendly fresh mozzarella on whole-grain toast rounds for a popular alternative to cracker crumbles. Somehow it’s all more fun in a cup!
5. Nectarine, peach or pear wedges to dip in agave nectar or raw honey. For active little bodies, these natural fruit sugars are a smart replenishment.
6. Cinnamon toast the healthy way. Use sprouted-grain bread, organic, non-GMO almond or peanut butter, a few dribbles of raw honey and sprinkle with cinnamon.
7. Orange or cranberry cooler: juice with a bit of seltzer water and a garnish skewer loaded with chunks of fresh fruit and berries.
These are just a few, but you know your kids’ favorite foods best. The trick is in a fun presentation (cut up, dipping, finger foods). Needless to say, fresh from the farmer’s market organic fruit & veggies are the greenest and healthiest choice.
Image: romanlily