Any parent can agree, when it comes to kids – especially teens – snack time is any time!
While snacking is by no means a problem, too often foods that are marketed as snacks are unhealthy and don’t provide the right nutritional support. Kids need plenty of protein, carbs and fat for energy, as well as minerals and vitamins for good immunity and cellular growth and function. Laager Rooibos partner dietitian Mbali Mapholi shares some healthy, but delicious, snacking alternatives!
Fun food treats
Chocolate chip cookies
Potato or maize crisps
Ice cream with toppings
Milk chocolate bars
Cold drink or soda
Sugary cereal
Candy apple
Healthy alternatives
Energy balls with dates and nuts
Homemade popcorn
Frozen yoghurt with fresh fruit and nuts
Dark chocolate squares or cacao nibs
Homemade Laager Tea4kidz Rooibos iced teas
Homemade granola with dried fruits
Apple slices with nut butter (such as peanut butter)
Snacking tips for children
Establish structured snack times – not close to meal time – to avoid continuous grazing and mindless snacking.
Prepare and portion snacks into appropriate serving sizes to help children understand and control their intake.
Provide a variety of snacks – a mix of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and protein-rich options to satisfy taste and nutritional needs.
Don’t forget hydration Besides eating, it’s important to distinguish between thirst and hunger cues so that your children are not snacking for the wrong reasons. Before reaching for a snack, pour them a cup of Laager Rooibos tea, or homemade iced tea. Thirst signals can sometimes be mistaken for hunger, so hydrating with Rooibos tea can help you determine your true appetite.
Rooibos-infused energy balls
Try this healthy and delicious energy balls recipe to keep you going between meals!
Ingredients: 1 cup dates, pitted;1 cup almonds or cashews; 2 tablespoons cocoa powder;1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 tablespoons brewed and cooled Laager Tea4Kidz Peach & Apricot flavoured Rooibos tea (brewed using 2 teabags in 125mls boiling water to make it strong. Any flavour of Laager or Tea4Kidz can be used); Desiccated coconut (optional, for coating)
Method: In a food processor, blend the dates, nuts, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract until well combined. Add the cooled Rooibos tea gradually, and continue blending until the mixture forms a sticky dough. Scoop out small portions of the dough and roll them into bite-sized balls. If desired, roll the energy balls in desiccated coconut for extra flavour. Place the energy balls in an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up. Enjoy these delicious Rooibos-infused energy balls as a nutritious and satisfying snack!
Details: For a range of healthy recipes, advice and tips visit joekels.co.za or follow @LaagerRooibosTea on social media.
