Healthy Snacking

Are you a picky eater?  New foods can be scary yet also exciting and summer is a perfect time to try some!  You can pretend you’re a scientist and the kitchen is your laboratory.  What new recipes can you invent?  You can pretend you’re a famous chef and your customers want new taste sensations.  Craft a menu and let your family “order” their snacks and meals.  If you have a brother or sister, get them to help by being a waiter.  You can even be an artist, “drawing” pictures with food and then eating your creations! Don’t forget to wash your hands before cooking and clean up any messes when you’re done!

Eating a variety of healthy foods during your school day is important and packing these foods properly is key.  Freeze a water bottle or 100% juice box to keep foods cold is handy.  At lunchtime the water or juice will be nice and refreshing!  Ever open your lunchbox only to find a flat sandwich?  There are some great reusable sandwich containers available.  As a bonus you’ll be recycling and helping save our planet!

The best time to plan/pack your food for your school day?  The night before.  This helps cut down on the morning frenzy.  I pack my food for the week in individual containers on Sunday night.  Then all I have to grab and go in the mornings during the week.

Fresh out of recipe ideas?  The internet is a wonderful resource.  Have a grownup help you find new recipes to try.  The Family Fun site is one of my favorite websites with lots of ideas for cooking and more! Also check out the Choose My Plate website for a mini poster:  “Kid Friendly Veggies and Fruits.”    Check out some cookbooks to help you get started. I found some great books HERE.

Happy sampling!  Do you have a favorite recipe?  Leave me a comment.  I’d love to hear from you!