Hi Mac Kids families!
School is almost out, which means that soon kids will be looking for fun things to do at home. Look no further! Today we are talking about snacktivities- fun things your kids can do with food! In the past, we’ve talked about the benefits of playing with food, but here’s a quick reminder. It can take kids up to 10 exposures to a new food before they learn to accept and enjoy it. Exposures don’t have to be tastes- they can be smells and touches too. When kids get involved in preparing food, they are more likely to try it, too! So, I’ve gathered a couple super fun snacktivities that will introduce new foods while being fun to prep! Take a look:
-Want to teach your kids where food comes from, but want instant gratification? Check it out: you can create an edible garden, complete with edible dirt! This Veggie Patch Dip recipe (https://recipecenter.giantfood.com/recipes/151821/veggie-patch-dip) is easy to make and gives kids the ability to ‘grow’ their own garden, and eat it too!
-One family meal that never gets old is building your own homemade pizza. In this rendition (https://recipecenter.giantfood.com/recipes/104107/rainbow-pizza), teach kids to eat the rainbow by adding every color to the pie! BONUS:have your kids pick out their own rainbow veggies to add!
-What’s summer without s’mores?! Admittedly, this isn’t the most nutritious snack of the bunch, but our s’mores recipes does put a spin on the old classic by adding banana and hazelnut spread in lieu of a chocolate bar (https://recipecenter.giantfood.com/recipes/152997/banana-hazelnut-s-mores). Try strawberries for another take on the original!
-If you’re ready to let your imagination run wild, you might be ready for these Veggie Race Cars with Hummus (https://recipecenter.giantfood.com/recipes/153389/veggie-race-cars-with-hummus). This recipe takes playing with your food to the extreme, so if you’ve got the time and the playful kiddo, this snack is for you!
I hope that you’ve all been inspired by these snacktivities. Remember that each exposure counts and that the snacks I’ve shared today are meant to make food experiences FUN! For more inspiration from Giant, check out https://recipecenter.giantfood.com/savory/magazine.
Until next time, eat well!
Emily
Emily Craft, MS, RDN, CSP, LDN is an in-store nutritionist for Giant Food. Emily has her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Delaware and her Master’s Degree in Health Education from Saint Joseph’s University. Emily’s background is in pediatrics and weight management and she loves helping families come together to enjoy healthy, delicious meals.For more information, go to https://giantfood.com/live-well/health-and-wellness/nutritionists/.
