When it comes time to refuel your always-on-the-go kids, choosing a snack that is tasty and nutritious can be quite tricky.
With aisles and aisles in the grocery store full of yummy foods containing nothing but sugar and preservatives, along with kids' picky dispositions, it's hard to find a snack that is healthy and pleasing to all. Many families today live hectic lifestyles with work, school and extracurricular activities, and it's much easier to grab something on the go. Over time, these cheap, easy meals can take a toll on your family's health. Labels can be misleading, and the only surefire way to make sure what your kids are eating is healthy and safe is to make it at home.
Soy snacks are good for kids
Soy is versatile, easy to incorporate and, most importantly, healthy! Introducing your children to soy early in life will provide numerous benefits in the years to come. With childhood obesity on the rise, it's important to teach kids how to eat. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, twice as many kids today eat snack foods like pretzels, popcorn, crackers and chips as kids did 20 years ago.
More health benefits from soy are being discovered on a regular basis. It has been shown that girls who consume soy earlier in life have a lesser chance of developing breast cancer when they're older. Soy is also lower in saturated fat and high in protein and fiber, all of which is great for growing bodies.
Sometimes, even after explaining all the benefits, it can still be hard to convince your kids to want to eat nutritious food, but it's not impossible, particularly if it's fun and delicious. Here are some great, soy-packed snacks you and your kids can make and enjoy together.
Recipes
Spiced Fruit Dip
A great way to introduce your kids to soy is with this Spiced Fruit Dip recipe. It's refreshing, quick and easy to make.
Ingredients:
- 1 ¼ cups soft tofu
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
Preparation
- Blend all ingredients in a blender until well blended and smooth.
- Cover and chill for at least two hours.
- Serve with a variety of fresh fruits.
Yields one cup with 29 calories, 0 grams of fat, 7 grams carbohydrates and 21 mg of sodium.
