When it comes to summer, kids are often bombarded with ice creams, fizzy drinks and all manner of other treats. The problem is that these summer-themed snacks and drinks are often full of sugar, alongside other unhealthy ingredients. In this blog I’d like to give you a few ideas on how to keep your kids happy this summer without the sugar!
Healthy Crisps
Instead of opening up a bag of crisps, why not try making your very own tortilla chips and dips? Use wholemeal tortillas; cut them into chip-size wedges and then bake on 200 degrees until they have crisped. As an accompaniment to your tortilla chips, try making your own guacamole and salsa. These recipes are really simple, and when homemade, are full of healthy ingredients. For salsa, finely chop tomatoes, onions, fresh chilli and garlic, add some fresh coriander, lime juice, salt and pepper and you’ll have a delicious accompaniment to some homemade crisps. The best thing about salsa is that you can blend the ingredients for fussy eaters! Guacamole is equally easy to make, either finely chop or blend avocadoes, tomatoes, coriander, chilli, salt and pepper. If your kids are nacho lovers, add a small handful of cheese to your homemade chips and dips, grill for 5 minutes and serve!
Homemade Ice Cream and Ice Lollies
When it comes to summer food, there is nothing more iconic and exciting than an ice cream or ice lolly. Needless to say these are a hit with the kids, but so often are full of unnatural colourings and sugar. By making your own, you don’t have to worry about your kids enjoying a refreshing ice cream on a sunny day. Here are some ideas:
Healthy Chocolate Ice Cream – All manner of ice creams can be made without sugar, but when it comes to kids, they usually want chocolate! Chocolate ice cream doesn’t need to worry parents as you can make it perfectly easily, and healthily, in your own kitchen! By using cocoa powder and peanut butter, you can still have that sweet and rich flavour in your chocolate ice cream. When added to blended bananas and a few dark chocolate chunks, you have a tasty and healthier chocolate ice cream with a great texture. Here is the full recipe.
Frozen Watermelon – Watermelon, as the name suggests, has great hydrating qualities and is in fact 92% water! For a really simple refreshing summer snack, chop a watermelon into slices, skewer onto a stick and freeze! After an hour or two, these fruit lollies will be frozen and ready to be enjoyed.
Blueberry and Chia Ice Lollies – These tasty treats make use of some nutritional ingredients which are naturally sweet and therefore this recipe requires no sugar! By combining blueberries, banana chia seeds, almond milk and half an avocado, you can easily concoct your very own nutritional ice lollies. For the full recipe, click here.
Top Tips For Kid’s Summer Snacks
No Added Sugar- By making your own treats this summer, you know that your kids aren’t having too much sugar
Mix it Up – Try making all sorts of snacks this summer, and if you find one they love, then keep making it
Hydration is Key – Far too many children don’t drink enough water when playing out in the sun, on hotter days make sure that they are, a cup an hour is a good amount
If you would like to discover more about what to feed your kids this summer, how to ensure they have a balanced diet and how to get fussy eaters eating healthily, then book yourself in for a discovery call!