When a child is growing, a lack of attention to a balanced diet can directly affect their health. Children always love snacks. So, what are some healthy snacks for kids in the summer? Below, the editor recommends some snacks that are essential for children in the summer.
1. Dried Fruits
Although there are often news reports of children choking on dried fruits, it cannot be denied that they are highly nutritious. For example, walnuts can boost brain power and enhance memory when consumed regularly. Peanuts, melon seeds, and pistachios contain essential fatty acids and trace elements for the human body. Almonds are rich in zinc, and cashews provide high-quality fats and promote blood circulation. We should not throw out the baby with the bathwater. It is generally not recommended to give whole nuts to children under 3 years old, but they can be cooked or roasted and ground into a powder for the child to eat.
2. Bread and Cake
Compared to biscuits containing various additives, fresh bread and cake are healthier and can be served as a child's snack. However, because these foods are quite filling, they should be consumed away from regular mealtimes. Generally, afternoon tea time (3-4 PM) is a good choice. For children who are picky eaters, bread and cake are a great way to supplement energy. But for children who love to eat and are already a bit chubby, the portion must be controlled to avoid excessive weight gain.
3. Yogurt
There are many benefits to giving children yogurt: drinking 150ml of yogurt daily can meet one-third of their daily energy and calcium needs. The lactic acid bacteria in yogurt can regulate the normal gut flora and promote digestion. The galactose in yogurt is a component of cerebrosides in the brain and nervous system, so regular consumption can promote brain development. It is generally recommended for children to drink a cup of yogurt one hour after a meal, which is beneficial for their growth and development.
4. Fruits or Fruit Juice
Fruits are rich in vitamins and minerals, and eating them can stimulate a child's appetite and aid digestion. The timing of eating fruit is important. Eating before a meal can cause a feeling of fullness and affect appetite, while eating after a meal is not good for digestion and absorption. It is generally recommended to eat fruit between meals. The choice of fruit depends on the season. In the summer, you can have watermelon, muskmelon, peaches, grapes, summer oranges, plums, etc. However, be mindful of the portion size, especially for fruits that are considered "cooling" or "heaty." Freshly squeezed juice is best, as it is more nutritious than store-bought processed juice!
5. Summer Desserts
The summer climate is hot, and people sweat a lot, so many will consume some cooling desserts, such as mung bean soup, sago pudding, tremella soup, or sweet potato starch pudding.
Moms might as well make some of these desserts themselves for their children as snacks. You can customize the ingredients, and your child will surely love it. It should be noted that the dessert should be served at room temperature; it's best not to eat it chilled to avoid it being too cooling for the body.