By Rachel MacKinnon
Snack time is an opportunity to increase your child’s nutrition. It can be tricky when deciding what to feed your child, and if you have a picky eater, it’s even more challenging. Children will eat snacks that look colorful and fun. For example, by cutting food into different shapes, foods look new. Kids find it exciting to eat a dinosaur-shaped watermelon slice or a heart-shaped peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Having your children assist in the creation of the snack will also encourage them to eat it. Kids are proud of things they do, so include them in the baking and cooking process. They will be more likely to try what they make. Here are a few nutritious snack ideas you can make with your child:
Ants on a log
Ingredients:
- Celery sticks
- Peanut butter
- Raisins
Step 1: Wash and cut up celery stalks.
Step 2: Spread peanut butter along the center.
Step 3: Scatter raisins on the peanut butter, making it look like there are ants on a log.
Frozen Yogurt Treats
Ingredients:
- Plain yogurt
- Choice of frozen or fresh fruit
- Optional: vanilla extract flavor, honey and granola
Step 1: In muffin cups, scoop 1/4 cup of yogurt and stir in optional flavoring.
Step 2: Top yogurt with choice of fruit.
Step 3: Freeze treats and serve.
Mini Pizzas
Ingredients:
- English muffin (whole grain)
- Tomato sauce
- Mozzarella cheese
- Choice of veggies
Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F.
Step 2: Slice English muffins into halves.
Step 3: Spoon on tomato sauce.
Step 4: Sprinkle on mozzarella cheese and choice of veggies.
Step 5: Cook for 10 minutes or until cheese has melted.
Sources:
Rachel MacKinnon is a Dietetic Intern with C.W. Post LIU with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County’s Family Health and Wellness Program