What we eat affects not just our physical health, but mental health and overall wellbeing. Photo / Getty Images
What we eat affects not just our physical health, but mental health and overall wellbeing. Photo / Getty Images
With summer approaching, finding convenient, tasty and nutritious snacks can be a challenge for many parents looking to set children on a path of healthy eating.
And kids who fill up on fatty and sugary foods are more likely to suffer from problems like being overweight, poor concentration and weakbones.
"Research suggests that what we eat may affect not just our physical health, but also our mental health and wellbeing," child psychologist Michael Carr-Gregg says.
"To boost the mental health of children, parents should focus on eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, nuts, seeds and foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon."
Mum and co-author of Smart Snacks, Flip Shelton, offers top hacks and easy treats every parent and child should know, going from A-Z.
Avocados are a nutrient-dense food and contain 20 vitamins and minerals. Use avos in a smoothie, guacamole or an ice block.
Banana bread might sound like a nutritionally-dense food, but many commercially-produced banana breads often only have a hint of banana and carry a lot of sugar, fat and processed white flour.
Cashews and dates (equal parts) with a sprinkling of ground ginger and blended and rolled makes a delicious and nutritious gingerbread ball.
Dates are my go-to snack. Medjool dates have a naturally sweet caramel taste and are loaded with fibre, vitamins and minerals. Pop pitted dates in the freezer for 30 minutes for a chewy snack.
Eggs are the ultimate fast food. Boil for a few minutes (five minutes for medium and eight minutes for hard boiled), then peel and eat.
Fruiticles are so simple to make. Chop up grapes, mango, kiwifruit and fill half an ice block mould. Fill the remaining space with water or juice. Freeze overnight then enjoy on a hot day.
Grapes are an awesome snack option especially for younger kids, and can be popped into the freezer for 30 minutes for a refreshing snack.
Hummus makes a delicious dip or sandwich spread instead of butter. Add a tin of drained and rinsed chickpeas with garlic, tahini, lemon juice and olive oil.
Intuitive eating is when we listen to our real hunger cues and rational thought. We eat because we are hungry, emotional, bored or thirsty. It's the same for our kids. Think before you eat.
Jugs of "happy water" are a great way to gently flavour water and encourage everyone to stay hydrated. Fill a big jug of water with slices of blueberries, strawberries, oranges and lemons and a sprig of mint.
Kale chips are easy to make and eat. Chop leaves into "chip" size, put in a bowl with 1-2 tablespoons coconut oil and massage the oil into the leaves ensuring they are evenly coated. Add salt, chilli or garlic flakes.
Labels reveal what is actually contained in the product as far as protein, carbohydrates including sugars, fat including saturated, fibre and sodium to help you make a wise decision.
Mandarins are the perfect snack for lunch boxes because they travel well. Kids find them easy to peel and then separate the segments.
It's important to make sure your child is eating lots of fresh fruit and veg. Photo / Supplied
Nutrients are important when it comes to snacks. Calories are fine but 100 calories of a piece of fruit is not the same as 100 calories of a fibre-stripped fruit juice which is often made with reconstituted fruit pulp.
Out of sight, out of mind. If you or your kids tend to snack on things that are in plain sight, then don't buy them or hide towards the back of the cupboard and eat only on occasions.
Portion distortion is alive and well. Research tells us we are eating larger snacks more often and with less nutritional quality, leading to being overweight or obese.
Quality counts. Don't underestimate the power of snacks and the impact they can have on your kids' blood sugar levels, mood, concentration and long-term effects on their physical and mental wellbeing.
Real food is the stuff your grandmother would recognise. Choose to eat more of this and less of the packaged stuff.
Smoothies are filling and pack a nutritional punch. Put some ingredients out and get the kids to choose what they want. Hide a some spinach in a banana smoothie.
Tinned chickpeas are a lifesaver. Drain, wash and drizzle with olive oil, sea salt and spices. Cook on 200C for 20 minutes or until golden.
Understand you can't make changes overnight without blowback. If you're wanting to make changes to your kids and your snack choices, do it one mouthful at a time.
Vegetables, roasted. If the oven is on, you might as well throw in an extra tray or two. Cold roast vegies are an excellent snack.
Walnuts look like a brain and the nutrients in them are good for our brain. It's recommended we all eat about 30g of nuts daily.
Xigua or Chinese watermelon has high water content and helps hydrate kids. Cut into wedges and keep chilled in the fridge for whenever hunger or thirst strikes.
Yoghurt is a good source of protein and fat so it's filling and satisfying. Add with chopped fresh fruit or apple puree.
Ziplock bags are a great product to portion and label snacks and to store ripened bananas, avocados and chopped fruit in the freezer for a ready supply for smoothies.
