Snack Attack

“Snack attack” sounds scary, right? But it’s the reality that every mother has faced. Be it exam season or vacation, it’s very typical for kids to get hunger pangs. And many moms feel lost as to what do I give them. A mother has to face the struggle of making a choice between healthy options, kids favorite and popular snacks. And from my experience I know that it is difficult.

As much as I would like to hand my kid a packet of “Lotte Choco Pie”, (and it’s the easiest option right? Total win-win) I know that I should do it as less as possible. Then what can I do to handle this situation?

One of the things I found is very effective is making certain rules. For example, I don’t bring chips, kurkure category items home. They can be enjoyed when we are on vacation. Also, I make sure there is minimum 1 fruit serving. Also maintain a variety and get seasonal fruits. A great way to do is to freeze some of these fruits and use it in smoothies. Making some of the popular dishes at home is also a great choice. This way we can control what goes in it and also the kids eats fresh food.

The other thing that has helped me is to get my kid involved in cooking. This is the best way to ensure that the kid learns to make a better choice. More often than not she is likely to reach for museli or banana or grapes. That’s what we want.

       Having said that here are a few snack ideas which are easy, nutritious and can be altered to the liking of your child.  These can be changed based on what you have on hand and what your child likes. For example, I make home-made granola using peanut butter and cocoa. I am happy because it has oats (sometime I use other grain flakes also. Quaker oats plus) and my kids loves the flavor.

1. Peanut butter banana sandwich - spread peanut butter on bread, add a layer of ripe banana slices, protein rich snack

2. Apple pie sandwich – Here is the link to the recipe on my blog. I took inspiration from an episode of Masterchef Australia.

3. Banana choco smoothie - peel and cut a ripe banana into 4 pieces and deep frreze for 2 hours, take 1 cup milk in mixer and 2 pieces of frozen banana ( 1/2 banana) and 1 tbsp of chocolate syrup. Blend, thick yummy smoothie ready.

4. Microwave bread pudding - cut a slice of bread into small pieces. Beat 1 egg, 1/2 cup milk and 2 tsp sugar. Add bread pieces to a microwave safe bowl. Pour egg mixture, let it sit for 15-20 minutes. Microwave 2 min + 2 min + 1/2 min

5. Quesadilla - spread grated cheese on half part of chapati, spread a layer of any veggie or cooked chicken pieces or boiled egg pieces,  spread another thin layer of cheese and fold the other half. Cook on non-stick pan till crisp. 

6. Add veggies like sweet corn, carrot and green peas to their favorite Maggie.

7. Make a wrap with scrambled eggs and a slice of cheese. 

8. Make a microwave mug cake using equal parts Ragi and regular flour. Recipe here.

9. Make sprout chaat or sprout parfait (Recipe here)

10. Keep baked khakra, flavored yogurt and roasted peanuts