4 Ways to Encourage Healthy Snacking In Children

By Eyinade Eweje

For most parents, getting children to opt less for processed or prepackaged snacks and settle for healthier options such as fruits is often a challenge.

Try these tips:

1. Stock your refrigerator with more fresh fruits and vegetables such as apples, bananas, watermelons, carrots and cucumber, in place of varieties of fizzy drinks and processed snacks. Let them see you eating these healthier options with relish, then ask if they’ll like to have a bite. You’ll be surprised they’ll develop an appetite for such snacks in no time.

2. Replace your cookie jar with a bowl of dried nuts and keep the bowl on the dining table for better accessibility.

3. Make healthy smoothies and fresh juices with fruits, veggies, nuts, and other healthy ingredients. You may also blend fresh fruit juice with Greek yoghurt. Let your kids know while these are tasty like fizzy drinks, they are way healthier. Invite them to decide what ingredients to include and help with the preparation.

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4. Encourage eating healthily when away from home, especially at school, by always packing a tasty and colourful lunch, including their favourite fruits and vegetables.

Remember, if your child always sees you munching on ice cream, cookies, chocolates, and chips, he’ll always question your zeal to have him eat the healthier options you’re offering. So, set a worthy example while you keep emphasizing the benefits of opting for less processed foods and drinks.

Photo credit: coupons