“No Mumma No..”
Are you also tired of hearing NO whenever you ask your little one for a healthy snack? Have you tried many ways to convince them to eat even a bite? Do you also feel good when your kid finishes his snack (with a trick)? And worried that this might not succeed the next day? You are not alone Parents! Picky eating is a common foe of parents everywhere.
It’s all about making healthy snacks for kids fun and engaging. The more you get involved in the process, the quicker the results might come. Remember, all you need is patience. As per Unicef, kids might take time to like a food. Here are 6 ways to help you with this. We will also discuss some quick and easy snack ideas kids might like.
Table of Contents
6 Ways to Make Healthy Snacks for Kids Fun for Picky Eaters
1. Colours, Shape and Size
Children love colourful and engaging meals. A simple recipe can be transformed into edible masterpieces that will have your picky eater begging for more. So next time you plan to make healthy snacks for kids, shape, colour and size might be your secret weapon.
- Colour Up Your Snack: Adding a pinch of colours(natural) to the snack can make that boring Naah I don’t want to eat a snack into Yuppie I want. Moms, you can add a handful of Palak (spinach) to your regular poori (deep-fried bread) and see the difference. Your child might ask for a dip or can enjoy it alone.
- Shape Them Up: Cookie-cutters can be of help here. Cut fruits into shapes and add a pinch of black salt/ pepper. Kids will love them. You can also try a heart-shaped pizza. Tip: A heart-shaped paratha with vegetable toppings can also work.
- Size: Make sure to keep the proportions small. You can give them in batches instead. This can work well if you introduce a new food to your child.
2. Get Them Involved
It can sometimes be stressful to cook what your little one asks for. But trust me, it is worth it.
Recently my toddler has become a fan of Poha (a dish with flattened rice). One day I was too tired to cook and she in her “moody toddler” way kept asking for it. Since she was too small to help me any other way, I gave her a bunch of peas. I was surprised at how she volunteered. With her tiny fingers, she was shelling peas. Yes, we enjoyed our healthy snack time together.
Also Read: Want to Raise Healthy Kids? Learn How to Explain Hygiene Like a Pro
3. Storytelling
Parents, do you remember Popeye, the famous cartoon character who regained energy by consuming spinach? Or Shaktimaan who was just amazing and saved the world? Didn’t we get inspired by those storylines? As a child, my mother used to bind stories around these fictional characters. I believed her and thought I would be the same. Tables have turned my dear Parents!! It’s time for you to be the storyteller. Narrate a story to your little one and connect it with that healthy snack to see the plates empty!
My toddler is convinced that her Papa is the strongest because he eats healthy snacks. She wants to be like him. Every day I have to make out some story around her papa to see that shine in her eyes as she munches her snack.
4. Portion Control
It is common for kids to skip meals (breakfast/lunch). And we moms often overload snacks to compensate. But this is not a good practice. Moms can provide snacks in small bowls/ plates to make it visually appealing. Moms, it is snack time. You can make it light.
5. Snack Together
Nothing works better than a parent and kids munching healthy snacks together. Children often imitate their parent’s actions. So next time you think of having healthy snacks for kids, you can have a plate too.
Vanshika had a habit of avoiding snacks. She used to run around the house whenever I asked her to have one. So I decided to munch with her and wait for her reaction. Yes, I must say that I found success in a week. But as I mentioned earlier, you need to have patience.
6. Prep Like a Pro
Beforehand preparations are the best. This can be done either at night before sleep or early in the morning. Parents you can wash, cut/chop vegetables and fruits (for the day) before your little one wakes up. If you plan a paratha or a pizza for your kid, knead the dough and keep it inside the refrigerator.
I grate carrots, cabbage and other seasonal vegetables and mix them in the flour while kneading the dough. A pinch of salt and black pepper adds magic to it.
Healthy Snacks for Kids- Some Honorable Mentions
Now that we have 6 tricks to make our kids have healthy snacks, let us also see quick and easy-to-make snacking options. You can also top them up with fruits.
1. Preschool Snack Ideas
Smoothies
For preschool kids, smoothies are a good snack option. You can mix veggies and fruits with either milk or yoghurt as the base. Apart from nutrition and healthy fats, these smoothies are also quick to make.
You can see a few smoothie options below. Try any one of these as your kid’s preschool snack ideas.
Spreads
Spreads are easy to make and carry snacks. Homemade jams and peanut butter can be spread on Pancakes, Roti (Flatbread), Parathas or even bread.
2. Healthy Dry Snacks (Indian)
Makhana(Foxnut)
Makhanas are a powerhouse of protein, fibre and magnesium and are healthy snacks for kids. All you need is to roast them in ghee (clarified butter) and sprinkle some black salt and pepper. Transfer it to a bowl.
Roasted Chana (Chickpeas)
These are a great source of protein and healthy fats. Add on sprinkles of your choice. Make sure not to make it spicy.
3. Snacks Without Onion & Garlic
There are some households where onion and garlic is a strict no-no. Although most of the snacks mentioned above can be eaten, here are a few other options for snacks without onion & garlic.
- Idli Sambar
- Khaman Dhokla
- Sabudana (Sago) Khichdi
- Khandvi
4. Healthy high-protein snacks for kids
Parfaits
You can try parfaits of your choice. My toddler usually likes peanut butter banana yoghurt parfait.
Milkshakes
You can try a banana milkshake, mango milkshake and strawberry milkshake. To make it tastier, ice cream and syrups can also be blended. For toppings, fresh-cut fruits or grated chocolates can be fine.
Conclusion
Taming picky eating at snack time can feel like wrangling a mischievous monster. But with creativity and patience, you can transform snack time into a delightful culinary adventure. Do not forget to add colour, shape and size to your muchkin’s snack. Get them involved and bind stories to make them more relatable to your kids. Remember to have portion control and enjoy your snack time together. A well-planned snack preparation can make the process more efficient. So dear parents, grab your aprons as it’s time to make some healthy snacks for kids.
FAQs
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How often should I offer snacks?
This depends on your child’s age and activity level. Generally, toddlers and preschoolers need 2-3 snacks in between meals. Aim for a balance of nutrients by including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and protein in their snacks.
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Are there healthier alternatives to jams and spreads?
Yes. You can make them at home. Do not forget to transfer them into an air-tight jar and refrigerate.
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I’m a busy parent! How can I save time on preparing snacks?
Dedicate a portion of your weekend to prepping healthy snacks in advance. Wash and chop vegetables, portion out yoghurt or fruits into containers. This way, you’ll have grab-and-go options readily available.
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