You might be paying bills, doing laundry, or reading a novel (yeah, right!) when the request comes.
“Moooooooom, can we have a snack?”
You stop what you are doing and try to visualize the interior of the fridge. The kids want something fun—you want something quick and nutritious.
Need some new ideas? Try these!
1. Easy Ice Pops
• What is it? Frozen fruit juice on a stick.
• What’s so great about it? It’s a cold. It’s on a stick. And older kids can even make them themselves.
• How do you make it? First, purchase a set of popsicle molds from the grocery store. Put bananas slices, raspberries or pineapple bits in the bottom half of each cup. Then, fill the cups with 100% juice and put the sticks in place. Freeze the pops for eight hours or overnight. If they get stuck when you try to pull them out, just run the mold under hot water.
2. The First-Put-On-Your-Bathing-Suit Snack
• What is it? A very messy snack followed by a refreshing spray down with the hose.
• What’s so great about it? Being allowed to make a mess…and the anticipation of being hosed off afterwards.
• How do you make it? Have the kids put on their bathing suits. (You might want to put yours on, too, in case you end up in a hose fight with your kids!) Send the kids outside and serve them an extremely juicy snack without napkins. Try peaches, pears, mango or watermelon. When they’re done, turn on the hose have fun cleaning off!
3. Instant Fruit Sorbet
• What is it? A fruity, frozen treat.
• What’s so great about it? It tastes fantastic. Plus, it’s very easy to make.
• How do you make it? Place one 16-ounce bag of still frozen blueberries (or use strawberries, peaches, raspberries or cherries) and one 8-ounce container of lemon flavored nonfat yogurt into a food processor fitted with the blade attachment. Pulse the mixture until it’s smooth but fluffy. Serve immediately with a spoon.
Pamela Gould is the author of the new book: Feeding the Kids: The Flexible, No-Battles, Healthy Eating System for the Whole Family. Go to www.FeedingTheKids.com for more information.
