Healthier Snacking With Kids: Spiced Banana Crunch
Tasty treats and tips for healthier snacking
Finding an easy and healthy snack can be quite a challenge — especially with kids.
As a health-conscious mom and health coach, I strive to keep my pantry stocked with mostly healthy choices. It’s not always easy, but it is possible, especially when you have options for delicious alternatives.
Today, I’d like to introduce one of our tried and true snacks: Spiced Banana Crunch!
For those of you who want to start moving toward healthier snacks for your family, I’ve also provided some tips that helped our family make the transition.
Pantry Clean-Up
Way back, when I first started including more plant-based foods, I cleared my cupboards of all our snack foods. At first, it wasn’t easy for any of us. I mean, back then, Doritos and cheesy salsa were staples. Oreos and milk were on our weekly grocery list. And I can’t even begin to tell you how many bags of Cheetos we went through.
But once I made up my mind that I wanted to create a change, I knew I didn’t want these available as our go-to’s. They’re not forbidden; they’re just considered a once-in-a-while food.
But in order for that to happen, I had to do a pantry clean-up.
Tips
Remove processed snacks and sugary treats from the pantry.
Replace them with nutritious options like fruits, veggies, nuts, and whole-grain snacks.
Keep healthy dipping sauces handy for a delicious twist to raw vegetables and fruits.
Transitioning with Delicious Alternatives
It wasn’t easy, and it took a few weeks for the kids to come around, but they got used to it. During those few weeks, I made sure to have lots of healthy treats for them. I always had fruit and veggies on hand with some type of dipping sauce. Homemade banana bread, lemon fruit dip, dairy-free milkshakes, smoothies, homemade pizza crackers, etc.
Some of it was a bit of work upfront with meal prep, but it made the transition for us much easier.
And once it became our new norm, everything became easier. We all started to prefer healthier snacking options.
Tips
Experiment with homemade versions of favorite snacks using healthier ingredients.
Prepare easy-to-make treats like homemade banana bread, fruit, or smoothies.
Involve kids in meal prep to spark their interest.
Spiced Banana Crunch: A Kid-Approved Favorite
One of my kids’ favorite snacks is Spiced Banana Cinnamon Crunch. This simple yet yummy snack quickly won their hearts with its irresistible blend of flavors. With a combination of sliced bananas, cinnamon, walnuts, and a touch of maple syrup, this snack is not only a treat but also a boost for our well-being.
Tips
Slice bananas and sprinkle with cinnamon for a yummy and nutritious base.
Add chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and healthy fats.
Drizzle a touch of maple syrup for a natural, sweet finish.
Healthy and Delicious: A Snack for the Whole Family
Healthy can be simple and delicious.
Spiced Banana Crunch has become a go-to favorite, satisfying the urge for that little something sweet. It’s so easy, too, taking less than 5 minutes. Incorporating more plant-based options into our snacking routine has been a powerful transformation for our family.
Tips
Encourage kids to get creative with toppings, like adding a dollop of almond butter and a sprinkle of chia seeds to sliced apples.
Create smoothie bowls by blending a thick and creamy smoothie and topping it with fresh fruits, nuts, seeds, and granola.
Make homemade popcorn using whole kernels and a little coconut oil. Top it with nutritional yeast, dried herbs, or a sprinkle of cinnamon for a satisfying whole-food snack.
Spiced Banana Crunch: Featuring Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a delicious spice that adds warmth and flavor and offers a range of health benefits.
Antioxidant Powerhouse
Helps regulate blood sugar
Anti-Inflammatory
A Side Note on Ceylon Cinnamon
While cinnamon offers many health benefits, choosing the right type does matter. Ceylon cinnamon is the preferred choice over Cassia cinnamon, which is more commonly available.
Ceylon has lower levels of coumarin, which can be harmful in large amounts. Both types of cinnamon can be used as spices in foods, but for those who frequently consume cinnamon or have specific health concerns, Ceylon cinnamon may be the preferred choice.
Here’s a more in-depth video by Dr. Michael Gregor.
12 Ideas for Healthier Snacking with Kids
Rainbow Platter: Create a snack platter with colorful fruits and/or veggies. You can find a creamy and delicious fruit dip here, along with some other great snacking recipes.
Frozen Fruit Pops: Make popsicles using pureed fresh fruits. They’re perfect for warm days and contain no added sugars.
Trail Mix: Let kids put together their own trail mix by providing a variety of nuts, seeds, dried fruits, and some dark chocolate chips for a sweet touch.
Veggie Dippers: Slice veggies like carrots, cucumbers, and cauliflower and serve with hummus or yogurt-based dips.
Yogurt Parfaits: Layer yogurt with fresh berries and granola.
Frozen Grapes: Wash and freeze grapes to create naturally sweet frozen treats. They’re a great way to introduce kids to different fruit varieties.
Smoothie Creations: Set up a smoothie station. Let kids blend their own smoothie concoctions for a delicious and nutrient-packed snack.
Apple Nachos: Slice apples thinly and arrange them on a plate. Drizzle with almond butter and sprinkle with granola, coconut flakes, and a few dark chocolate chips for a yummy pick-me-up.
Whole Grain Mini Pizzas: Use whole-grain pita bread or tortillas as pizza bases. Top them with pizza sauce, veggies, and a drizzle of cheesy sauce.
Fruit Kabobs: Thread various colorful fruits onto skewers for portable fun.
Peanut Butter Bites: A quick throw-together treat perfect for that little something sweet. They take 5 minutes to put together, and no baking is required.
Frozen Yogurt Bites: Spoon dollops of yogurt onto a baking sheet and add fresh fruit pieces on top. Freeze for a few hours to create frozen yogurt bites.
Spiced Banana Crunch
Spiced Banana Crunch
Ingredients
Instructions
- Lay out sliced bananas on a plate.
- Sprinkle cinnamon over the banana slices.
- Top with nuts.
- Drizzle with maple syrup if using
Finding an easy and healthy snack is challenging — especially with kids. Making the switch to more nutritious snacks with Spiced Banana Crunch and other kid-friendly treats has been a game-changer for our family.
It was a transition that was well worth the effort though. From Peanut Butter Bites to frozen grapes and fruity popsicles, these snacks are as fun to make as they are to eat.
The journey to healthier snacking has not only transformed our family’s eating habits but has also brought many happy memories in the kitchen.
I hope you’ll give it a try! :)
