As caregivers, we all want what's best for the little ones in our care. This often includes making sure they get the right balance of nutrition. But what about treats? Are treats for kids always unhealthy, or can they be a part of a healthy lifestyle? The answer may surprise you!
The Truth About Treats
Treats are often seen as a special indulgence – something that’s high in sugar or fat, and maybe even something we feel guilty about giving our kids. But the truth is, treats for kids don’t always have to always be unhealthy. In fact, with a little creativity, treats can be nutritious, satisfying, and enjoyable for both kids and caregivers.
What Makes a Treat ‘Healthy’?
When we talk about healthy treats, we’re focusing on snacks that offer some nutritional value without being overloaded with sugar, artificial colors, or unhealthy fats. Healthy treats can be made from whole, nutrient-dense ingredients that provide energy, vitamins, and minerals your child needs to grow and thrive.
- Use Whole Ingredients: Look for natural, whole foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Fresh berries, apples, and bananas are naturally sweet and perfect for making fun, healthy snacks.
- Limit Added Sugars: Many store-bought treats are packed with sugar, which isn’t necessary to make something taste sweet. Natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup can be used in moderation to keep things healthier.
- Incorporate Healthy Fats: Healthy fats from sources like nuts, seeds, and avocados can provide energy and help children feel full longer.
- Boost Fiber: Choose treats that include fiber-rich ingredients like oats, chia seeds, and whole wheat flour to support healthy digestion.
- Add Protein: “Proteins are building blocks of our bodies and each child's protein needs vary. Protein helps control blood sugar spikes when having higher carbohydrate or sugary foods,” says Kara.
“Checking nutrition facts labels can be a quick and easy way to determine if a treat is a great fit or not,” advises Kara. To learn more about how to read these nutrition labels, check out our Reading Nutrition Labels Poster Pack.
Easy and Fun Healthy Treats for Kids
Making healthy treats doesn’t need to be complicated or boring. Here are some of our favorite recipes to inspire you:
- Banana Berry Yogurt Parfait
- Cinnamon French Toast Sticks
- Cheesy Pizza Rolls
- Apple Nachos
- Banana Protein Pudding
- PB & J Barks
Benefits of Healthy Treats for Kids
When you choose healthy treats for kids, you’re doing more than just offering something sweet. Here are some of the benefits:
- Better Nutrition: Healthy treats provide your child with essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and fiber, helping to support their growth and development.
- Balanced Energy: Unlike sugary treats that cause energy spikes followed by crashes, nutritioustreats provide lasting energy that helps kids stay focused and active throughout the day.
- Instilling Healthy Habits: By making healthy treats fun and tasty, you're teaching your kids the value of making nutritious choices. Over time, this can help them develop a love for nutritious foods and positive eating habits.
How to Balance Treats in Your Child’s Diet
While healthy treats can be part of a balanced diet, it’s still important to maintain moderation. Too much of even a healthy treat can add up in terms of calories or sugar intake. Here’s how to strike the right balance:
- Portion Control: Offer small, balanced servings of treats, especially if they include richer ingredients like nuts or dried fruit. This way, your child can enjoy a treat without going overboard. For more tips on portion control, check out our Portion Sizes Poster Pack.
- Healthy Meals First: Treats should be just that – treats! Focus on providing nutrient-dense meals first, and save the treats for after they've eaten their main food. Following the 80/20 rule is often helpful – focus on healthy meals 80% of the time and allow your kiddos to indulge in treats the other 20% of the time.
- Involve Kids in the Process: Letting kids help prepare their own treats can encourage them to make healthier choices and take ownership of their eating habits. These kid-friendly recipes are not only favorites among kids, but they're also easy enough to involve your little ones in the cooking process!
- Avoid Using Treats as Rewards: Kara highlights, “Some families may use treats as motivators for a job well done, this can be troublesome for kids. Next time you are celebrating a job well done try to use an option that is not food related such as stickers, toys, or even a trip they have been looking forward to.”
The next time you're looking for a sweet treat for your little ones, remember that treats for kids can absolutely be nutritious! By making thoughtful choices and using whole, nourishing ingredients, you can create delicious treats that support your child’s health and well-being. Healthy treats don’t have to be complicated or bland – they can be fun, colorful, and something your child looks forward to. So go ahead, treat your little ones to something tasty and nutritious, and enjoy the smiles that follow!
By focusing on healthy treats, you’re not only making snack time more exciting but also helping your kids develop good eating habits that will last a lifetime.
Ready for more? You may also like:
Superfoods for Superpowers: How to Excite Your Kids for Green-Light Foods
Eat More, Eat Some, Eat Less Food Chart
Encourage Nutritious Eating with a Food Rainbow
