Melanie, a Registered Dietitian with a love for fitness, is a stay-at-home mom to two children and one on the way. Her philosophy is to “eat whole foods, less preservatives and cook at home more often”. She truly believes “all foods fit” into a healthy diet and loves homemade treats as much as healthy food. She enjoys a good workout, photography, sewing and loves being in the kitchen. She is the author of the food and nutrition blog, Nutritious Eats, as well as a contributor at tree.
In need of a healthy snack? It’s just the beginning of summer break and I’ll I hear around my house is “mom I’m hungryyyyy!” It’s not that the kids are totally bored, it’s just so hot outside that in the middle of the day, parks and playing outside are almost out of the question. We have swimming and gymnastics going on which seem to be the highlights of the week as well as an occasional errand.
I am constantly trying to think of things for the kids to do other than watching tv (which they would happily do for hours if I let them). I am looking for new crafts, new places to visit and always looking for fun things for them to do in the kitchen with me. I’ve come up with a few fun healthy summer snacks that are perfect for your kids to eat and help you prepare! If you don’t have kids, you will still enjoy these easy snacks for yourself!
Peanut Butter Banana Bites
Ingredients: Bananas, Peanut Butter, Pretzels, Cereal
Cut banana into chunks, spread peanut butter all over with spoon, roll around in crushed whole grain cereal (cheerios, grape nuts, Kashi). I used Kashi Sunshine Honey whole grain squares. Stick a pretzel stick into the banana bite and enjoy. This would also be great with melted chocolate for a healthy dessert.
Trail Mix
Ingredients: Cereal, Raisins, Craisins and/or Apricots, Nuts
Set out bowls of whole grain cereal (cheerios, Kashi, oatmeal squares) , raisins, craisins, apricots, nuts. Give kids a zip lock or reusable bag and let them assemble their own trail mix.
“Un-Ice Cream” Sundaes
Ingredients: Yogurt (I use Dannon Activia for the kids & Greek yogurt for me), nuts (slivered almonds or peanuts are good), bananas and/or berries, whole grain cereal, light whip topping (optional)
Freeze a container of yogurt (I liked the consistency after 3 hours but feel free to let it sit in there longer). If frozen too hard, just let sit out for about 10 minutes before assembling “sundae”. Transfer frozen yogurt to a bowl, top with nuts, fruit, crushed cereal or what ever topping you’d like. A refreshing way to eat yogurt!
Having kids help you in the kitchen is a wonderful thing. Kids can explore new foods, learn about nutrition, and develop math skills as they measure ingredients. Yes, it might take you twice as long to make something, but it’s all about the process as well as the final product. Start with these simple snacks mentioned above and your kids will feel pride in what they’ve created. It also helps with picky eaters to get them involved in the cooking process. And if nothing else it’s a great way to spend time with them especially on rainy or hot days when there is “nothing to do”. Hope you enjoy these healthy summer summer snacks and I look forward to seeing you over at my blog Nutritious Eats!
Those no-icecream sundaes sound fantastic! What a great idea!
Stumbled you, my post is: http://www.mapleleafmommy.com/2011/06/review-story-about-ping-scholastic.html
My daughter figured out the frozen yogurt thing earlier this year. She’s turned her breakfast into a treat!
I stumbled you. My post is http://booksyourkidswilllove.blogspot.com/2011/06/have-kid-book-reviewer-at-home.html
Thanks for stumbling Sara
Hi! Stopping by to Stumble from STT (I’m a little behind LOL).
These are some really great ideas! I would *love* the PB Banana Bites LOL
My post is http://www.mamamommymom.com/2011/06/rosemary-pork-heaven.html
Jamie @ Mama.Mommy.Mom.
http://www.mamamommymom.com
http://www.twitter.com/mamamommymom
http://www.facebook.com/mamamommymom
Thanks Jamie!! Hope you had a great weekend
Those banana pb bites look amazing, gotta try that!! Stumbling you back!
Thanks Stephanie
Hey! I stumbled this. Great snacks and pics. Here is mine…
Spray Paint Crock Makeover
Thanks for stumbling. We stumbled back