Friday, July 9, 2010

Protein Snack Ideas for Kids

We tend to binge on unhealthy snacks during office hours, especially in the evening, when we are tired and bored with work and we desperately need something to elevate our mood. In such situations, we rarely think of protein snack ideas, but instead pamper ourselves with fried chips, chocolates, burgers, pizzas, and hot dogs, which are full of unwanted calories and fats. These snacks are easily available, affordable, and moreover, are amazingly tasty and resisting them is very difficult. However, it is wise to develop good eating habits by making the right food choices. Foods high in protein are the best for snacking, as proteins are a great energy source and essential for building body muscles. Though recipes for healthy snacks mainly include vegetables, these snacks can be made more palatable with the use of some fruits, and at times, even eggs. Here are some snack ideas for kids that are not only healthy, but protein rich as well.

Protein Snack Ideas for Kids

A common complaint from all mothers is that their kids always binge on unhealthy snacks. There is an alarming increase in obesity rate, not only in adults but also in kids, who too indulge in unhealthy snacking. Excessive weight in children can have adverse effects on their health, causing serious health problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and various heart diseases. To avoid such ill effects, it is essential to provide children with nutritious and healthy snacks, along with a high protein diet that promotes healthy growth of the body. Try the following healthy protein snack ideas for kids, that are tasty and palatable.

Dairy Products
Dairy products such as cheese, cottage cheese, milk, and yogurt are good sources of protein as well calcium and natural fatty acids, that are essential for healthy body growth. You can try a variety of flavors of milk and yogurt, such as strawberry, chocolate, banana, etc., according to your kid's preference. You can spread cheese on bread and add some vegetables or chicken pieces to it and make yummy sandwiches for a quick healthy snack. Eggs are also a rich source of protein and there are many ways you can make eggs palatable for kids; simple boiled eggs to French toast can be made with lot of tasty variations.

Nuts
If your kids do not like dairy products, nuts or dry fruits can be included in high protein snack ideas. They too contain natural fatty acids along with proteins. You can mix nuts in protein shakes that will enhance the taste as well as give extra energy to your young ones. You can also spread homemade butter made from these nutritious nuts, such as peanut butter, hazelnut butter, walnut butter, etc., which will make a delightful change for kids. Vegetables like carrots, beetroot, pumpkin, cucumber, tomatoes, lettuce, sprouted beans, etc., can also serve as high protein snacks for kids.

Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are some of the low fat high protein diet foods. Fruits and vegetables not only contain protein but lot of other important vitamins, minerals and enzymes. Fruits and vegetables also contain essential dietary fibers. Instead of chocolates, you can make fruit salads or fruit cakes, that can serve the sweet tooth of kids. Instead of making boring vegetables, you can try delicious soups, which are low fat and high on nutrition. Fruits such as peach, figs, dates, coconut, apples, grapes, banana, strawberries, kiwi, and blueberries are good source of protein as well as iron, magnesium, and vitamins.

Along with this popcorn, baked chips, celery sticks, oats, cornflakes, etc., can serve as high protein and healthy snacks for kids. Apart from kids, adults also can try a lot of other low calorie snacks, such as tuna, protein bars, beef jerky, egg whites, peanuts, etc. With all these protein snack ideas, you can relish on some wonderful snacks and make your snacking time enjoyable, and healthy as well.

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