School's In: Time to Eat Right!

When kids are active it can be hard to get them to stop and eat, and if they do, you certainly want to make the most of the opportunity. This month I’m featuring some ideas that provide maximum nutrition per mouthful. Whoever thought that cookies could be healthy? The sesame spice cookies are sugar- and butter-free but provide plenty of sweetness from dates, juice and raisins. They are easy to throw together and freeze well, so make a big batch. The raisins provide vitamin C and iron, and walnut oil is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids that help with brain development and immune system function. No sugar also means no sugar high, a welcome change for the back-to-school season.

In the Healthy Snacks for Kids section of this month’s issue, I mentioned the importance of adding good fats and proteins to fruit and veggie servings. For fruits I recommend whipping up this tofu mix for dipping and dunking, and keep in mind natural yogurt as an option. Use fresh nuts and grind them in a blender for use throughout the week (keep it in the fridge). They too provide essential fats and proteins. The popsicles make a fun after-school treat.

–Sally Errey, RNCP

Sesame Spice Cookies, Fun Fruit Dip ’n’ Dunk

These cookies were designed for children, with walnut oil to provide essential fatty acids for brain development, sesame seeds for calcium and raisins for extra energy. The oatmeal provides sustained energy? if they need it! These cookies are also sugar free, and spelt flour can also be used as a substitute for wheat.

Strawberry Popsicles

This natural and delightfully sweet treat is perfect for those last days of summer as an after-school snack. Strawberries are very high in vitamin C and contain powerful antioxidants to promote health. The tofu adds protein, and don’t forget to add some essential fats in the form of flax oil. These support the immune system and help with healthy skin and hair.

Party Hardy (and Healthy!)

Children’s birthday parties are always very special events. To be successful and stress-free (especially for the adults involved) they require good planning. The food you serve at the party should be both nutritious and fun to eat. The Mini Pizza recipe is easy, and children can have fun by getting involved and choosing their own toppings. Raspberry Cream makes a refreshing and healthy dessert for any party, and the Children’s Punch Bowl offers healthy fruit juices without a lot of sugar.

–Christel Gursche

Mini Pizzas

Raspberry Cream

Children’s Punch Bowl