Healthy snacks for children – what to give instead of chips and sweets?
A child's diet should be rich in nutrients that support their proper development. Unfortunately, many popular snacks, such as crisps and sweets, are full of sugar, salt and artificial additives. A healthy diet for a child should be based on natural products that will provide energy and valuable nutrients. In this article, we present healthy alternatives to unhealthy snacks that will work perfectly as a lunchbox for children for school and a meal for children for school.
Why should you avoid processed snacks?
Processed snacks can negatively impact children’s health, leading to:
- Excessive consumption of sugar and salt,
- Problems with concentration and hyperactivity,
- Obesity and metabolic problems,
- Weakening of the immune system. The principles of child nutrition emphasize that it is worth reaching for natural products that provide vitamins, minerals and fiber.
Healthy alternatives to chips and sweets
1. Homemade vegetable chips
Instead of store-bought chips, it's worth making your own at home. You can use:
- Carrot,
- Beetroot,
- Zucchini,
- Sweet potatoes. Thinly sliced vegetables, simply drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with herbs and bake in the oven at 180°C for 15-20 minutes.
2. Fresh and dried fruits
Instead of bars full of sugar, a great choice would be:
- Apples,
- Bananas,
- Dried apricots,
- Dates. Dried fruit provides natural sweetness and fiber, but should be eaten in moderation due to its high natural sugar content.
3. Nuts and seeds
Nuts are a great source of healthy fats and protein. They are great for:
- Almonds,
- Cashew nuts,
- Pumpkin seeds,
- Sunflower. It is good to avoid salted and roasted nuts.
4. Natural yogurt with additives
Instead of fruit yogurts, which often contain large amounts of sugar, it is worth giving your child:
- Natural yogurt with fruit,
- Yogurt with nuts and honey,
- Yogurt with chia seeds and oatmeal.
5. Whole grain bread sandwiches
Sandwiches are a great meal for kids to take to school. It's worth making them with:
- Avocado paste,
- Cottage cheese and chives,
- Hummus and vegetables. Whole grain bread provides fiber and minerals, supporting a healthy diet for your child.
6. Homemade granola bars
There are bars available in stores that are full of sugar and artificial additives. A healthier alternative is homemade granola bars made with:
- Oat flakes,
- Honey,
- Nuts,
- Dried fruit. Just mix the ingredients, form bars and bake in the oven at 160°C for 20 minutes.
7. Fruit and vegetable cocktails
A healthy smoothie is a great snack, rich in vitamins and fiber. Sample ingredients:
- Banana,
- Spinach,
- Natural yogurt,
- Chia seeds,
- Dates. Just mix all the ingredients together to make a delicious and healthy drink.
How to introduce healthy snacks into your child's diet?
- Gradual change of habits – instead of completely eliminating sweets, it is worth introducing healthy alternatives gradually.
- Attractive appearance – children are more likely to reach for colorful and interestingly presented snacks.
- Preparing meals together – involving children in preparing healthy snacks increases their interest in healthy eating.
- Balanced lunchboxes – it is worth preparing a lunchbox for children for school with wholesome ingredients.
Summary
A healthy diet for a child should eliminate processed snacks and replace them with natural, wholesome products. A school lunchbox and a school meal for children can include homemade chips, nuts, fruit, yogurts and whole grain sandwiches. Introducing healthy eating habits in accordance with the principles of child nutrition will contribute to better health and well-being of the youngest.
