In search of a wholesome snack thought for teenagers? Meet the Snack Platter: straightforward, enjoyable, and stuffed with nutritious stuff.
Thanks to Want Farms for sponsoring this publish. They’re a 4th technology household farm that produces berries together with Pink-a-Boo® Pineberries, the brand new blush-pink berries on the plate above.
As a dietitian, I get a variety of questions: Is sugar toxic? (No.) Ought to I am going on a type of juice cleanses? (Additionally no.)
However one of the vital frequent questions I get is that this: What sorts of snacks ought to I feed my children?
My reply is that typical “enjoyable” snacks–all of the stuff marketed as snack meals like chips, cookies, and cheese crackers–are completely tremendous generally.
However more often than not, snacks ought to merely appear to be the type of meals you serve at mealtime, like fruits, greens, entire grains, meats, beans, cheese, and nuts.
As a result of in the event you solely serve “enjoyable” snacks to your youngster at snack time, meals–with their boring ol’ common meals–are going to lose their attraction.
Fortunately, there’s a approach to rework that meals into one thing particular: The Snack Platter.
What’s a snack platter?
I’ll allow you to in on somewhat secret: The snack platter is definitely simply meals. On a plate. But after I announce, “I made a snack platter!” my children are psyched.
The truth is, a couple of years in the past I overheard my son boasting to his associates, “My mother makes the BEST snack platters!”
Typically, all you want is somewhat re-branding.
Fundamental formulation for a snack platter
- A dip like hummus, nut butter, ranch dip, or guacamole
- Acquainted grains like crackers, pita, and pretzels
- Protein-rich meals like hard-boiled egg, cheese, rolled-up deli meat, edamame, or leftover roasted rooster
- Veggies or fruits they already like, whether or not that’s child carrots or grapes
- Veggies and fruits which are much less acquainted or sudden, like these Pink-a-Boo® Pineberries proven under, that are a fairly blush-pink when ripe (scroll right down to learn extra and see the place you could find them in your space)
The perks of a snack platter
- The number of meals implies that your children will get a mixture of vitamins, like completely different nutritional vitamins and minerals.
- You possibly can clear out the percentages and ends out of your fridge and pantry, and a totally random assortment of meals will look purposely fancy.
- Much less acquainted meals look much less intimidating alongside issues they already like, and veggies that could be a tough promote at mealtime look enjoyable and extra-appetizing.
- It doesn’t contain chopping something into enjoyable shapes or making a face on meals (although if that’s your factor, that’s cool too!).
- On a very hectic night time, a Snack Platter may grow to be dinner.
How large ought to your snack platter be?
You recognize your child and their urge for food greatest. Be sure you preserve snacks far sufficient away from dinner to construct an urge for food once more.
What must you use for a snack platter?
Only a common plate. Or use a small tray. You too can escape your “good” plates or a flowery serving dish to make it really feel extra particular. Collect smaller objects like cheese cubes or berries utilizing silicone muffin cups (right here’s the rectangle dimension I’ve).
One other snack thought for teenagers that’s nice for youthful ones: Fill the compartments of a muffin tin with meals.
About Pink-a-Boo® Pineberries
Pineberries are a cross between a Florida purple strawberry and a Japanese white strawberry, pale pink when ripe and dotted with purple seeds. They’re candy like strawberries with a touch of pineapple taste. That is the primary yr they’re broadly accessible, so examine the produce aisle (See the place you could find pineberries in your space). These would make a enjoyable shock on a snack platter!