Snacks can be yummy and healthy! With these ideas from the Let's Go! Program, you can make delicious snacks your children will love. Involve children in the preparation for even more fun.
Don't forget, portion size is important even when eating healthy. Here are some snack ideas and recipes to choose from:
Beverages
Water Seltzer Low fat milk
Dairy
Low fat yogurt String cheese Low fat milk Yogurt smoothie
Whole Grains
Granola bars (avoid candy-type products) Rice cakes Pretzels Graham and animal crackers Cereal with or without milk Popcorn
Fruits & Veggies
Fresh strawberries, blueberries or raspberries Applesauce Melon balls Orange sections Raisins Celery sticks with peanut butter Sliced colored peppers (red, yellow or green) Baby carrots or cucumbers with dip
Crunchy Banana Pop (2 servings)
2 Popsicle sticks 1 medium banana 2 tablespoons peanut butter 1/2 cup low fat granola (or other crushed cereal)
Peel banana and cut in half, width-wise. Insert a popsicle stick in each banana. Cover each banana with peanut butter, and roll in granola.
Nutrition information per serving = 210 calories, 9 grams fat, 2 grams fiber
Fruit Crisp (6 servings)
Filling: 1/2 cup sugar 3 Tablespoons flour 1 teaspoon lemon peel, grated 3/4 teaspoon lemon juice 5 apples, unpeeled and sliced 1 cup cranberries
Combine sugar, flour, and lemon peel. Mix well. Add lemon juice, apples, and cranberries. Stir. Spoon into a 6-cup baking dish. Prepare topping.
Topping: 2/3 cup rolled oats 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed 1/4 cup whole wheat flour 2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Melt 1 Tablespoon of soft (tub) margarine. Combine oats, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon in a small bowl. Stir in melted margarine. Sprinkle topping over filling.
Bake at 375° F for 40-50 minutes until filling is bubbly and the top is light brown.
Variation: 4 cups fresh or unsweetened frozen (thawed) peaches and 3 cups fresh or unsweetened (unthawed) blueberries in place of apples and cranberries.
Nutrition information per serving = 252 calories, 2 grams fat, 5 grams fiber