Getting a toddler to enjoy healthy foods may seem like fighting an uphill battle, but it’s one that’s worth the effort; the eating habits we develop in childhood set the foundation for our relationship with food as an adult, which is why it’s important to get kids excited about nutritious options as early as possible.
Thankfully, toddlers are not actually as hard to please as you might think. The five healthy treat ideas below will be too tasty for your child to resist!
1. Ants on a Log
Ants on a log has been a childhood favorite for decades now, and it combines everything necessary for the perfect toddler treat: a healthy vegetable (celery) cloaked in deliciousness (raisins and peanut butter) and a fun name. This treat is high in protein, making it a good choice to add to any snack-time routine.
2. Blueberries and Yogurt
Toddlers are suckers for “fun” foods, and thankfully “fun” doesn’t have to be much more than some blueberries arranged as a smiley face in a bowl of yogurt. Blueberries are high in antioxidants and fiber, and yogurt is full of protein, calcium, and vitamin D, which makes this quite the well-balanced combination. Watch out for yogurt with a high sugar content, though. Some “healthy” brands are notorious for sneaking this stuff into their products.
3. Veggies and Hummus
You might think that kids eating raw veggies is a risky bet, but it’s one that has a huge nutritional payoff. The trick is to not give them any indication that a child chowing down on bell peppers, carrots, and cucumbers is anything out of the ordinary—what they don’t know can’t hurt them. There are lots of hummus options at most grocery stores, but choosing to make it from scratch will give you even more control over its nutritional content.
4. Mini Quesadillas
Mini quesadillas require very little prep and only need about 20 seconds in the microwave to achieve maximum tastiness. Sprinkle some shredded cheese, veggies, and salsa on a whole wheat tortilla and fold it in half and you’re ready to go! Allow your quesadilla to cool and cut it into three sections. Depending on the size of your tortilla, these can actually yield two or three servings.
5. Kiwi Pops
Kiwi pops require a little preparation, but they’re the perfect alternative to the sugar-laden frozen treats you can find at most grocery stores. Peel your kiwi, slice it into inch-thick medallions, and insert a popsicle stick into each. Melt one cup of dark chocolate chips in a double boiler, and give each kiwi slice a dunk. Set them on parchment paper and let them freeze overnight.
