Summer is here and in most places school is out. Keeping our children on a good eating pattern is harder in the summer as most do not keep the same schedule as winter. Here are a few snack ideas to keep them healthy and on track with their healthy eating habits.
 Peel a ripe banana and cut it in two inch pieces. Roll each piece in vanilla yogurt, crushed dry cereal and freeze. This is also a good way to put use to the last stray bites of cereal in the box. Mixing different cereals can be fun also.
 Mix peanut butter and lightly crushed corn flakes in a bowl. Make quarter size balls with the mixture then roll in crushed nuts. Walnuts or pecans work best. Store left overs in an air tight container. Use within 3 days.
 Fresh fruits [apples of any kind] and vegetables [celery or carrots] can be spread with peanut butter to make an appealing snack.
Most children will try something if it is pleasing to their eye.
 Make kabobs using a pretzel stick. Push a cube of cheese, pineapple, apples or grapes on the pretzel and watch the snacks disappear.
 Add some low fat shredded cheese to a corn tortilla, roll it up and heat for 20 seconds in a microwave. Use a bowl of salsa for a dipping sauce.
 Toast a frozen whole grain waffle, spread a heaping tablespoon of vanilla yogurt over the top, then add a few strawberries. You will have happy children.
 Blend a tablespoon of honey in 3/4 cup of small curd cottage cheese. You will have a great tasting dip for active children. It can be used with fruits or vegetables.
 Baked corn chips and a mild homemade salsa will keep them coming back for more.
Quick Salsa Recipe
1 large tomato, cored and diced
1 8-10 inch celery stalk, ribbed and sliced thin
1 medium red onion, chopped small
1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
Mix all ingredients in a small bowl. If the mixture is dry add one teaspoon of virgin olive oil and two tablespoons of vegetable juice. That will give it enough moisture to be dipable and add an extra little kick to the taste.
Lead your children by your example. If they see you eating these healthy snacks, so will they.
Faylee James is a Life Coach/Writer/Speaker from Northeast Tennessee, who has an above average interest in people, cooking and living life to the fullest. Her website http://www.HassiesKitchenTable.com is in honor of her mother who passed away recently. For more recipes and thoughts, visit her website or blog at http://www.HassiesKitchenTable.blogspot.com