Updated: Aug. 19, 2020 | Originally Published: April 17, 2016
Dealing with picky eaters can be quite a challenge, particularly when it comes to ensuring they receive proper nutrition. A common scenario involves a child who is resistant to trying new flavors and textures. I recall when my nephew first tasted solid food; a spoonful of applesauce led to dramatic reactions that suggested he was tasting something quite unpalatable.
As children grow, they can develop a more discerning understanding of their dietary needs, and sometimes they become more open to trying various foods. My nephew has become more amenable to healthy choices at mealtime, especially dinner, where he can be persuaded to consume a vegetable or protein. However, snacks typically present more difficulty. It’s all too easy for kids to gravitate towards less nutritious options like chips or pretzels. To combat this, I’ve compiled a list of nutritious snacks that even the most selective eaters may enjoy. Recently, I enlisted my nephew’s help in exploring some new snack ideas. Here are the successful contenders:
- Apple “Cookies”
Getting children to eat fruit can be a hurdle. However, the combination of apple slices with peanut butter proved to be a favorite. Topping them with chocolate chips made them even more enticing, though we skipped the shredded coconut and nuts in our version. - Fruit and Sandwich Skewers
Presentation can significantly impact a child’s willingness to try new foods. By placing fruit and even classic peanut butter and jelly sandwiches on skewers, my nephew was more inclined to taste them, turning an ordinary meal into a fun experience. - Chocolate Peanut Butter Green Smoothie
This recipe has become a staple in our household. Modifying it to suit our preferences (we skip the chia seeds) allows for a nutritious drink that effectively masks the taste of spinach with chocolate, making it surprisingly enjoyable for kids. - Strawberries and Cream Smoothie
Using full-fat coconut milk, this smoothie mimics the flavor of strawberry ice cream, with the majority of the sweetness derived from the fruit itself. For children who require additional sweetness, a natural sweetener can be added. - Avocado Banana Chocolate Pudding
Avocado is often touted as a superfood, but my nephew has typically shunned it. However, he happily devoured this chocolate pudding, which cleverly disguised the avocado. By using more banana than avocado, this dish became a hit. - Flourless Pumpkin Muffins
Encouraging children to eat orange-colored foods can be difficult, especially when they refuse carrots. Nevertheless, these muffins made with pumpkin and whole-grain oats were a success in our home. - Oatmeal Banana Cookies
This recipe is a long-time favorite due to its simplicity and health benefits. Combining just four ingredients—ripe bananas, whole oats, oil, and cinnamon—these cookies not only taste great but also fill the house with the aroma of baked bananas.
Testing these recipes with my nephew transformed the experience of eating into a fun activity, allowing him to select which snacks to try and reject those he found unappealing. This process demonstrated that with a bit of creativity and exploration, it is indeed possible to introduce nutritious snacks to even the fussiest of eaters. For more information on nutritional options, you can visit this link, which is one of our other blog posts.
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In summary, these seven healthy snacks are not only nutritious but also appealing to picky eaters, making them an excellent addition to any child’s diet. With a little creativity and persistence, parents can help their children develop healthier eating habits.