10 Snack Ideas For Healthy, Happy and Robust Kids

The unavoidable fact is that today’s youth is overweight and therefore unhealthy.

The number one question I’m asked by concerned parents is, what should I feed my child? Most of what you’ve heard or been told about Health & Wellness is simply not accurate. We, as a nation have been brainwashed to believe that Low Fat and Fat Free is healthier and will help us lose weight and be thin. This is simply not true!

Parents all across America give their children snacks such as pretzels or Goldfish thinking that they’re healthy for their child. They’re not; even organic pretzels aren’t a healthy choice. Pretzels (full of processed carbs) will spike your child’s insulin, which when done dozens of times each and every day, will eventually lead to a myriad of potential health problems down the road, including but not limited to diabetes. Pretzels also contain very little nutritional value that a child’s body can utilize.

There are many whole food choices that will nourish your children’s brain and body development, keep them from becoming obese and will avoid unnecessary insulin spikes in their little bodies. Here are my top 10 favorite snacks for children (by the way…adults can eat them too )

1. Sliced Apples with Almond Butter - you can sprinkle a little cinnamon on top too!
2. A Small Bowl of Berries - Assorted or one kind of berry with a dollop of full fat whipped cream (not Cool Whip- it's loaded with artificial ingredients).
3. Trail Mix  - be careful with store bought Trail Mix, it’s loaded with dried fruit which contains sugar and sweetened chocolate, I make my own blend for my family with the nuts and dried fruits of my choice and chunks of dark chocolate (with over 80% cacao).
4. Greek Yogurt with Berries, Nuts and a Small Drizzle of Local Honey or Agave Nectar - 2% fat yogurt is better than nonfat because a little fat helps the body absorb the calcium better.
5. Cut Up Veggies with Full Fat Dip (Ranch, Blue Cheese, etc) or Guacamole - try to encourage low glycemic vegetables such as celery or broccoli instead of super sweet carrots.
   
6. Hard Boiled Eggs
7. Turkey or Ham & Cheese Roll Ups - you can put a dab of full fat mayo or mustard in it too!
8. Banana Sliced with Almond Butter
9. Natural Hot Dogs - sliced and without a bun. I recommend Applegate Farms organic grass fed dogs without nitrates.
10. Frozen Grapes - kids love them! Just wash the grapes, let dry and put them in container in the freezer overnight.

For more healthy living ideas and recipes visit www.threecavemenandalady.com