With all the holiday treats around, it’s essential to offer healthy options. Here are some nutritious snack ideas:
1. Apple Nachos: Slice apples and drizzle them with peanut butter or almond butter and sprinkle with granola. If allergic to nuts, try caramel.
2. Yogurt Parfaits: Layer yogurt with berries and granola. Kids can practice their layering skills and learn about nutrition. My kids love to try all the items with different colors - green grapes vs red grapes, mandarins oranges vs blood orange, etc.
3. Pumpkin Smoothies: Blend pumpkin, yogurt, and spices for a seasonal treat. Some favorite spices for me are pumpkin spice or cinnamon. Trader Joe’s also has some great seasonal flavors to try. Add some granola to keep it fun - my kids love some with dried cranberries in it. I love to grab inexpensive, holiday-themed straws at Target or Marshalls and the kids get a kick out of choosing one for their special drink.
Recipe to try:
Here are some delicious and healthy smoothie recipes for kids, perfect for fall! Each recipe combines seasonal flavors with nutritious ingredients.
1. Pumpkin Spice Smoothie
Ingredients:
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1 banana (frozen works great)
- 1 cup milk (or dairy-free alternative)
- 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
- 1/4 cup oats (optional, for extra fiber)
2. Apple Cinnamon Smoothie
Ingredients:
- 1 apple, cored and chopped
- 1 banana
- 1 cup yogurt (plain or vanilla)
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 cup milk (or dairy-free alternative)
- Ice cubes (optional)
3. Sweet Potato Pie Smoothie
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup cooked sweet potato (or canned)
- 1 banana
- 1 cup milk (or dairy-free alternative)
- 1 tablespoon peanut butter or almond butter
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
4. Cranberry Orange Smoothie
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 orange, peeled and segmented
- 1 banana
- 1 cup yogurt (plain or vanilla)
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
5. Maple Pecan Banana Smoothie
Ingredients:
- 1 banana
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1/2 cup pecans (or any nut butter)
- 1 cup milk (or dairy-free alternative)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
6. Carrot Ginger Smoothie
Ingredients:
- 1 cup carrot juice (or blended fresh carrots)
- 1 banana
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh ginger (or 1/4 teaspoon powdered ginger)
- 1 cup yogurt (plain or vanilla)
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
Tips for Serving:
- Consider adding a fun straw or toppings like granola or chopped nuts for extra texture.
- Let kids help with the blending process to make them more excited about trying new flavors!
Enjoy these healthy, fall-inspired smoothies with your kids!