It’s important to capitalize on the remaining time summer affords to begin to build healthy habits kiddos can take to school.
Many children are picky eaters and don’t take in the recommended daily amounts of nutrients. One group that is often neglected is dairy. Dairy delivers an excellent source of calcium, which is important for growing healthy bones, as well as protein, B-complex vitamins and other vitamins and minerals.
Dairy recommendations range from 2-3 cups per day for kids aged 2-18 years.
Cited by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), proper nutrition, particularly breakfast for school-aged children, has been shown to improve cognitive function, reduced absenteeism, and improved mood. Here are a few ways that you can get your kiddo involved in food preparation (yes, we can play with our food!) and start those healthy habits to set them up for success:
Power Packed Smoothie
- 1 Cup Low-Fat Chocolate Milk
- ½ Cup berries (fresh or frozen*)
- ½ Banana - Blend.
Depending on size of the child, this may make 2 servings.
Colorful Cones
- Add a spoonful of whole grain cereal into bottom of cone.
- Then, scoop Low-Fat Greek Yogurt into the cone.
- Top with sliced strawberries and blueberries. (fresh or frozen)
- Repeat and top with berries. - For an alternative for a hot summer day, substitute LF Greek Yogurt for Frozen Yogurt
*if frozen, choose a berry mix that is not in syrup
Skewer Snacks
- Cube cheese (Colby jack, cheddar, parmesan, etc…)
- Slice a Cucumbers
- Grape Tomatoes
- Cube salami
- Grapes
Using toothpicks, combine the above ingredients to create a fun, colorful, and nutrition snack!
Blueberry Yogurt Popsicles
- Skewer 12-14 Blueberries
- Scoop 1/2 cup Low Fat Greek Yogurt onto a place
- Roll Blueberry Skewer (like a rotisserie) in the yogurt.
- Place on parchment paper on a freezer safe tray/dish. Let freeze for a few hours. Consume as soon as they’re removed from the freezer.
Remember, kids are very perceptive and watch what you do and how you react to food. If you yourself are a picky eater, challenge yourself at the same time to help your child learn healthy and nutritious habits.
For more healthy snack recipes, click here.
For further comments or questions, Jeremy Hudson, RDN can be reached at: FreshCoastNutrition@gmail.com.
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