Sure, it can.
Most of the nation’s school children have already headed back to class for a new academic year. Meanwhile, the rest will be starting after the Labor Day holiday. Regardless of when your kid officially begins the new school year, you’ll want to make sure that he has a healthy way to refuel once the dismissal bell sounds.
Don’t let the word “healthy” throw you off. Just because a food item is good for your child doesn’t necessarily mean that he will automatically reject it.
The Centers for Disease Control recently published a report with some startling statistics. According to the CDC, 80 percent of 10- to 15-year-olds who are overweight become obese adults by the age of 25. One way to avoid this from happening to your precious offspring is to provide healthy, yet fun alternatives to snacks high in sugar and calories, such as candy, soda and chips.
My 7-year-old loves to snack, but can be swayed from selecting an unhealthy choice if she is given the chance to have fun making or serving up the following good-for-you treats:
Yogurt pops: Make your own frozen treats from store-bought yogurt and fresh fruit.
Trail Mix: Homemade trail mix can be altered so that it includes only your kids’ favorite ingredients, such as cereal, pretzels, raisins and chocolate chips.
Graham crackers: Turn this ordinary snack into a fun treat by pairing it with Nutella, peanut butter, or fresh fruit preserves.
Cheese sticks: My daughter and nephew love to do battle with these fun-shaped pieces of cheese that are loaded with vitamins and minerals.
Cherries and dip: Indulge your child’s sweet tooth in a healthy way. Blend a little brown sugar and yogurt to create a yummy dip for fresh cherries.
Frozen grapes: By simply freezing grapes you can give the fruit a whole new texture.
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