Fun Snacks for Kids - Make it Mini

Fun Snacks for Kids - Make it Mini If you want a child to clean their plate, you might try downsizing the amount of food that you give them. Making fun snacks that children will eat might just include miniaturization.

Keeping the snack pint-sized for the pint-sized eater will encourage the child to eat everything on their plate. The child will have a feeling of accomplishment because Mom is pleased. Pediatrician suggest that children who are picky eaters respond to smaller portions of foods or food that are scaled down in size especially for them. Sometimes when we load up a kids plate with too much food, we discourage rather than encourage their appetites. Lots of food on a plate may overwhelm a small child. A bright idea is to offer small mini portions of food to children and watch them clean their plates. Some innovative ways to add fun and nutrition to snacks include: 1)Adding color and shapes to basic foods like sandwiches offers children a new way to look at old favorites. 2)Create faces on a sandwich with vegetables like carrots of raisins makes a fun lunch treat. 3)Using molds to cut the sandwich into interesting shapes. 4)Add peanut butter and raisins to celery to make this nutritious snack look more appealing. By providing small portions, the child is more likely to taste new foods. Some mini portion recipes for kids are offered below: PEANUT BUTTER PINWHEELS Ingredients: *Peanut butter *Honey *Granola *Tortilla Instructions: 1) Spread creamy or chunky peanut butter and a little bit of honey on a fresh flour tortilla. 2) Sprinkle with granola 3) Roll up the tortilla 4) Slice it into bite-size pinwheels Fun With Celery - Carrot Slices Ingredients: *Carrot Sticks or Celery Slices *Peanut Butter *Raisins Instructions: 1)Cut celery into small slices. 2)Cut carrots down the middle for this recipe. 3)Spread with peanut butter. 4)Top with raisins. Mini Pizzas Ingredients: *1 can of refrigerator biscuits *Pizza sauce *Shredded low fat cheese *Toppings of your choice Instructions: 1)Mash or roll out the biscuits flat. 2)Top with pizza sauce, cheese & other toppings. 3)Bake in the oven about 8 minutes until the cheese melts. 4)Serve The toppings can be anything from mushrooms, ham or different types of cheese. The toppings can be almost anything that the kids want to put on their mini pizzas. The pizzas can be made to order depending on individual taste. Other toppings may include: green or yellow peppers, onions, garlic, pepperoni, Italian sausage. The toppings go a long way because very little is required to top the small biscuit. The mini pizzas are a quick and filling snack. The kids have a great time topping their pizza with all of their favorite ingredients. These mini pizzas can be frozen. They can be reheated in the microwave for a few seconds for a quick and hearty snack. Fun Snacks for Kids - Make it Mini

7 Quick and Easy to Make Pregnancy Snacks!

During your pregnancy, you can get hungry at anytime. That's why it is important to have a couple pregnancy snacks on hand at all times. Making sure you have the healthiest choice snacks is best to provide you and your baby with the best nutrients for growth and development.

When making pregnancy snacks, you should always consider the nutrients that you require more during pregnancy. It is more likely that you will be deficient in these nutrients because your requirement for them has increased during this time of your life. If the pregnancy snacks you choose have nutrients like vitamin C, B vitamins, folic acid, etc, you will be able to get the right amount of these nutrients throughout the day.

Easy Peanut

For years, women were told to eat for two. This led to too many extra calories and a difficult time getting their body back before pregnancy. Today, it has been shown you only require an extra 300 calories per day. This works out to be roughly one or two pregnancy snacks a day. The part most women have a hard time with is choosing which snacks are best. It can be pretty simple getting those extra calories with a candy bar but that won't do you any good for your health.

Try out one of these quick and easy pregnancy snacks next time:

Fresh Fruit - This is one of the easiest and best snacks during any part of your life. It doesn't matter if you are pregnant or not. Fruit provides high amounts of great vitamins and minerals. It's pretty easy to "prepare" fruit to be eaten too. Just grab a apple on your way out the door and you are set for one snack of the day. Cheese and Whole Grain Crackers - This snack will give you a boost in fiber and protein. Remember to stay away from soft cheeses while you are pregnant for they increase the risk of getting harmful bacteria. Whole Wheat Bagel and Peanut Butter - This is another great snack to get your fiber and protein. The peanut butter also has good mono-saturated fats which are important for development. Nuts - A handful of almonds is a great pregnancy snack. It is simple, quick, and provides good amounts of protein and essential fatty acids. Hard Boiled Eggs - These little guys are packed with protein and easy to take with you on the go. Don't forget about them in your purse or you are in for a surprise later in the week. Rice Cake with Cottage Cheese spread - Add some fruit on top for a delicious treat. This is great for protein, carbs, and calcium. All of which are needed during pregnancy. Edamame - This tasty snack is a great source for protein, Vitamin A, folate, iron, and calcium.

7 Quick and Easy to Make Pregnancy Snacks!

Pregnancy snacks don't have to be difficult or confusing. Next time you are deciding on what snacks to eat for the day, make sure to give one of these a try. If you still don't seem to get enough of the right nutrients throughout the day. You should consider supplementing. Always talk with your doctor first, but here are some guidelines to follow when choosing a prenatal supplement.

These pregnancy snacks will definitely help you along your way to being one hot mama! Grab my free guide on fitness and nutrition during pregnancy.

Quick and Easy Recipes for Appetizers, Party Foods, and Poolside Snacks

Gathering house and friends colse to the pool, having a party inside in the air-conditioning, just wanting some quick and easy snacks? This narrative has recipes to allow you to get snacks together without a lot of your time involved. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the party; the prep is easy! And the kids are not left out. There is a special formula for them! Ham Filled Tomatoes, Tofu Taco Dip, Cheesy Salsa Dip, and Garlic Cannellini Bean Dip along with some chips and fresh veggies will make every person happy.

Party Appetizer For Kids
Break graham crackers into squares so they are "kid-sized". Top with peanut butter. Sprinkle some puny semisweet chocolate chips over the peanut butter. (Adult kids like these, too!)

Easy Peanut Butter Cookie Recipe

Tiny Ham Filled Tomatoes
1 pint cherry tomatoes
2 tbsp sour cream
1 can (4.5-oz) deviled ham
2 tbsp horseradish

Wash tomatoes, thinly slice off tops, remove some pulp and dry tomatoes with paper towels. In a small bowl consolidate the sour cream and horseradish; add the deviled ham. Stir combination to blend well. Stuff the tomatoes with the ham combination and refrigerate until serving time.

Tofu Taco Dip
1 box (10.5-oz) silken tofu, softened
1 pkg (1.25-oz) dry taco seasoning mix

Put both ingredients into the blender or food processor; mix until smooth. Chill prior to serving. Serve with corn chips or tortilla chips.

Note: Variations: Replace taco seasoning mix with dry Ranch Dressing Mix or Dry French Onion Soup Mix. Serve with chips and/or fresh veggies.

Cheesy Salsa Dip
1 lb Velveeta-style cheese, cubed
1 jar (8-oz) your beloved salsa
2 tbsp chopped cilantro

In a microwave-safe bowl, put the cubed cheese stock and salsa. Microwave on high for about 5 minutes or until thoroughly heated and cheese is melted. Stir after 2 1/2 to 3 minutes. Add the cilantro; stir in to mix well. Serve dip with tortillas and/or corn chips.

Garlic Cannellini Bean Dip
1 can (15-oz) cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
1 tbsp cider vinegar
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 tsp salt
1/3 tsp ground cumin
1/3 cup plain yogurt
1 tbsp minced fresh parsley
1 tbsp minced fresh cilantro

In a food processor consolidate the beans, vinegar, garlic, salt and cumin. Add the cover and process until smooth. Add the yogurt, parsley, and cilantro. Replace cover and process just until blended.

This dip is great with assorted crackers, pita chips, or fresh veggies.

Enjoy!

Quick and Easy Recipes for Appetizers, Party Foods, and Poolside Snacks