Wednesday, February 12, 2020

Kid's Valentine ♥ Healthier Snacks for Sugar-Filled Holidays


Let's face it, as moms we give in around candy-themed holidays.  Grandparents and well-meaning friends alike run to the opportunity to share sweets during Holidays such as Valentine's Day, Easter, Christmas.
If your child is like mine, a little sugar goes a looong way, especially when these evil candies have dyes in them which makes my 4 year old boy almost intolerable (anyone else?!)  Not to mention all the studies linking several dyes to ADHD, ADD and hyperactivity in children.

However, I get the appeal and don't want the kids missing out on the fun.  I had my share of sugar-filled candies and heart-sprinkles cupcakes as a kid so what's a mom to do?



I find that children are attracted to designs and colors and just love a good theme!  The prettier the food display, the more like they are to get excited and enjoy it so I came up with a couple healthy options to not be the Grinch who stole Valentine's day.



1. Make fruit pretty by decorating the plate into shapes to get kids excited about fruits + veggies.

2. Use cookie cutters to cut fruit, bread and other snacks.

3. Instead of using syrups or food coloring, try using natural food dyes to make things like strawberry milk or smoothies.  Swap the dyes + syrups with beets, strawberries, raspberries and other whole foods.

healthy snack ideas Valentine's

Heart-shaped Toast with Rasberry Jam


I buy Organic Sprouted bread from Aldi's and my kids love it.  Not to mention it is way cheaper than other organic sprouted bread at under $3!  The kids are fine with organic jam and although they have sugar, it's at least not loaded with dyes and extra loads of refined sugar.

Heart-shaped fruit salad


I use a simple cookie cutter for the shapes.. I found a super cute + cheap set on Amazon

Heart-shaped protien pancakes


TIP: can make in advance and freeze so you have an easy grab + go breakfast always

I love to add a little protein to pancakes with almond butter to sneak it in for the kids.  My go-to healthy pancake recipe is as follows:


Ingredients
  • 3/4 cup rolled oats
  • 3/4 cup all-purpose almond flour
  • 2 tbsp coconut sugar
  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 1 ¼ cups dairy or non-dairy milk 
  • 1 large egg
  • 4 tbsp almond butter
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract

Directions:
  1. Place the rolled oats in a blender until the oats reach a fine, powdery consistency.
  1. Add the almond purpose flour, coconut sugar, ground cinnamon, salt and baking powder and combine.
  1. Add the milk, egg, butter and vanilla extract and pulse until combined.
  1. If the batter is to thick, add more milk (1 tablespoon at a time) and pulse until it reaches the right consistency.
  1. Lightly grease a non stick skillet with melted butter or coconut oil.
  1. Heat the skillet over medium heat until hot.
  1. Drop 1/8 cup of batter for each pancake onto the hot skillet.
  1. Cook until  bubbles begin to form on the top.
  1. Carefully flip the pancakes and cook on the other side 60- 90 seconds or until cooked through.
  1. Serve warm with fresh berries.





Ever After,
Jamie