Kid Approved Snacks

Nothing makes me happier then when my girls ask for healthy snacks.  Hearing "mom can you make avocado dip" or "mom can you make some green juice" gets me sprinting to the kitchen so I can get started on creating foods and drinks that heal and strengthen their bodies.

Whole foods contain so many vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and phytonutrients that it only makes sense to put these amazing foods in front of children.  Starting children early on the purest foods and drinks possible increases their immune system and provides the body with oxygen rich blood, cells, tissues and organs.  Studies show that children eating the SAD diet (Standard American Diet) are actually already developing diseases often associated with adults.  Certain cancers, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, auto immune disorders are out of control, skin issues and heart disease are found to be forming by the time children are in high school, and the link is in what they are eating.

Many times my clients feel that they can't afford to buy organic or buy that much produce.  Here are some tips:

• The EWG (Environmental Working Group) gives a list of the dirty dozen and clean fifteen to let people know which items should definitely be organic and which ones you can go conventional on.  Knowing this little trick would help with the family budget.  
• Cutting back or eliminating meat, cheese, cow milk and processed foods would allow the food budget to expand to buy all the necessary whole foods a family needs.  
• Creating a weekly meal plan also helps to stay on budget and, most importantly, the money you will save on less doctors visits and prescription medicine is the ultimate goal in having your family eating more whole foods.

Today's recipes are snacks that are kid approved from all three of my children, and they are easy enough for them to do most of the work.

Apple Sandwiches
Ingredients:
1 organic apple
2-3 Tbsp. nut or seed butter of choice
pure orange juice
optional add in's - cinnamon, shredded coconut, dehydrated buckwheat groats, granola, raisins, etc.

Directions:
1.  Using a safe knife or safe mandolin, slice the apple into rings.
2.  Place the slices in a shallow bowl with enough orange juice to just cover the slices, this will help to keep the apples from browning.
3.  Dab the apple slices on a paper towel to remove excess liquid and to help the butter stay on the apples.
4.  Spread 1/2 - 1 tablespoon on one slice, if using add in's, place them on top of butter.
5.  Place another apple slice on top of butter and/or add on's and repeat until all slices are used.  Pour orange juice into a glass to drink along side the apple sandwiches.


Dehydrated Fruit or Veggies
Ingredients:
fruit or veggie of choice (sliced very thin, seeds removed)
optional add in's - spices of choice (cinnamon, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, etc.)

Directions:
1.  If using spices, sprinkle over each slice.
2.  Place slices in single layers on dehydrator trays.
3.  Dehydrate on 115 for 4+ hours.  Check slices after 4 hours, if you want them crispier, dehydrate longer until they suit your taste.
4.  Store in an airtight container or bag.  If any moisture is left, and they won't be consumed within a week, you may want to store them in the fridge.

Note - you can find inexpensive dehydrators at Bed, Bath & Beyond, Target, Walmart.  Dehydrating fruits and veggies make great snacks to take on road or airplane trips.


Energy Truffles
Ingredients:
2 c. raw cashews (*sunflower seeds for those w/ nut allergies)
2 c. pitted dates
optional add in's - 1/4 c. dark chocolate, 1/4 c. coconut shreds, 1 tsp. cinnamon, lemon or orange zest, etc.

Directions:
1. Soak cashews in a bowl of purified water for about 4 hours (if using sunflower seeds soak 1-2 hours), drain and allow to dry slightly.  This step isn't necessary but makes for a softer truffle and helps those with digestion issues.
2.  Place cashews in food processor and grind into small chunks.
3.  Add dates and any add in's and process until a thick sticky ball starts to form.
4.  Turn off machine and start to scoop out a tablespoon at a time and roll into a ball.  Place on a parchment lined cookie sheet.  Repeat until all dough is used.
5.  Place tray in the fridge or freezer to firm and then enjoy.

*Even if you don't have an allergy to cashews, using sunflower seeds in place of nuts can be an extremely cost effective alternative.  For example - at Trader Joes a 1 lb. bag of raw cashews is $6.99 vs. a 1 lb. bag of raw sunflower seeds is $1.99.

This isn't to say that children should never have treats such as cookies, cupcakes or candy, but as the word states, those should be treats, not an everyday thing.  These are just a few recipe options to help get you started on snacks that are healthy, simple, and taste amazing.  The next few posts will be more foods that the kiddos will love so check back soon!