Easter is just days away and many little ones are looking forward to a visit from the giant bunny with baskets full of treats. The aisles are lined with chocolates and marshmallows galore, but we think balancing Easter baskets with a few items from the produce or healthy snack section is a great idea that does NOT have to be boring.
Hear us out!
Adding a mix of healthy items and less-than-healthy items to children’s diets helps support healthy eating habits! It’s not about nixing the candy altogether - it’s about providing a mix of options. Some days you crave the refreshing crunch of an apple, and others you need to curl up with a comforting bowl of ice cream. Finding a healthy balance of foods is what it’s all about! We put together a list of some healthy options to add to your Easter baskets this year!
Our Quick Picks:
These are some exciting and healthy items you can find at your local farmers market or specialty grocery store!
Sunflower Seeds or Chocolate Covered Sunflower Seeds
Yogurt Covered Raisins or Pretzels
Flavored Popcorn
Novelty Fruit like Dragonfruit, Papaya, Kiwi, or Tangelos
Trail Mix
Dried Fruits like Apricots, Cranberries, Mandarin Oranges or Blueberries
Honey Roasted Peanut Butter with Apples Slices
Flavored Nuts like Barbecue Almonds, Honey Cinnamon Cashews, or Ranch Pistachios
The DIY Kits:
Cheesy Bunnies: You'll need circular cheeses (like Babybel), baby carrots, celery, and miniature chocolate chips. Cut half of the carrot sticks in half and stick into the top of the cheese like bunny ears. Use the other half of the baby carrots to cut small triangles and place in the center of the cheese to make a nose. Cut celery into small 1-inch strips and place on each side of the nose to make whiskers. Place two miniature chocolate chips on the cheese to make eyes.
2. Chick Eggs: You'll need hard-boiled eggs, baby carrots, and black sesame seeds. Cut the boiled eggs in half. Cut small triangles out of your baby carrots (or use leftovers from your cheesy bunnies) to make a nose. Place black sesame seeds on the egg to make eyes.
Use this fun holiday to get creative and introduce some healthy food practices into the lives of your kiddos! Remember, the goal is not to completely replace the sugary treats, but to balance them. We hope you’ll use (and enjoy!) our suggestions for a healthy, exciting, and most importantly, balanced Easter basket.
Do you have other suggestions? Comment below to share them with us!
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