Summer is right around the corner and the kiddies will be out doing what they do best. Hanging out with friends, playing outside or indoors, and eating their summer away. Making sure your children are eating right can be difficult but we can help make it easier by providing our healthy snack recommendations to add to your child's menu. 

Why You Should Watch What They Eat

Do you know nearly 1 in 5 school-aged children in the United States suffers from obesity? Based on a body mass index (BMI) a child or young adult under the age of 19 must have a BMI of 28 and above to be considered obese. See the chart below to see an example of BMI percentiles. Remember to calculate your child's BMI, divide their weight in kilograms by the height measurement in meters. 

Courtesy of the CDC

According to Stateofobesity.org, "91 percent of American children have poor diets and less than half get the recommended 60 minutes of daily physical activity." To Try and prevent your child from falling into this category, see our previous article titled Tricks That Will Keep Your Kids Healthy and Active. 

What Are My Kids Eating?

Look at their eating habits, along with your own. If you notice you and your child spend more time chowing down on snacks instead of wholesome meals; it may be time for a change. Remove sugary beverages, unhealthy snacks, and candy from your household and replace them with healthy alternatives. 

Our Healthy Alternative Recommendations

No need to take a trip to an organic food store, you have the power to order delicious healthy snacks and have them delivered to your doorstep. Here at Doctors Best Weight Loss, our diet snacks don't just have to be for adults on a diet. Kids love our snacks so much, we gave them their own category in our online store. 

ChocoRite

Children love chocolate, and adults do too. ChocoRite is a low-calorie snack that will make your taste buds jump for joy. Feel guilt free when divulging in this tasty treat. Children cannot tell the difference between our products and an average chocolate bar. 

Protein Chips

If your kids cannot put down those greasy chips, why not give them a healthier form of their favorite snack. Here at Doctors Best Weight Loss, we have a large variety of protein filled chips and chip-like snack the whole family will enjoy. Pair this with homemade salsa or guacamole, and you have a party snack the whole family can enjoy. 

Protein Bars

It's like a granola bar but packed with enough protein to keep your kids full until their next meal. Replacing sugary unhealthy snacks with this alternative is a sure way to keep them energized and ready for a game of tag. With such a large variety readily available in our store, your kids won't want to go back to those unhealthy snacks. 

Fruits & Vegetables 

You don't always have to rely on manufactured products as a source of healthy snacks, though it can be more affordable. Fruits and veggies are always one of the best choices to give to children. Filled with natural nutrients and antioxidants, the only downfall to this choice is its "shelf-life". Fruits and vegetables can go bad rather quickly if not refrigerated properly. But for a quick sweet snack, children will love the fresh taste of a fruit or veggie. 

How Can I "Spice Up" My Snacks?

Some children can become bored of "simple solution" snacks and need a flavor mix up to keep them interested in healthy foods. We've compiled a few recipes using our products to keep your children snacking the right way. 

Protein Zucchini Chips

Ingredients:

• 3 small zucchinis, sliced into 1/4 inch rounds
• 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 cup of crushed Kay's Natural Crispy Parmesan Protein Chips
• 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 teaspoons fresh oregano

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F
2. Place zucchini in a bowl. Drizzle olive oil over zucchini and stir to coat.
3. Add crushed chips and toss to coat. Spread coated zucchini onto a baking sheet. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese and oregano over the zucchini.
4. Bake in the oven for 15 minutes or until zucchini is tender and the cheese has browned. 
5. Serve & Enjoy

Proti Bruschetta

Ingredients:

• ProtiWise Toast Parisen
• 2 teaspoons of minced garlic
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 1/2 cups of minced Roma tomatoes
• 1/3 cup of thinly sliced fresh basil leaf
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon fresh ground pepper

Directions:

1. In a medium mixing bowl, add the tomatoes, garlic, basil, vinegar, olive oil, cheese, salt & pepper.
2. Mix thoroughly and let sit for at least 15 minutes at room temperature.
3. Place the mixture on top individual pieces of bread.
4. Serve & Enjoy

NutriWise Peanut Butter Cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 package of NutriWise Chocolate Chip Pancake
• 1 tbsp. peanut butter
• 2 tsp. Splenda brown sugar

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F
2. Combine all ingredients. Add butter spray and water, if needed to achieve cookie dough consistency.
3. Drop a spoonful onto a cookie sheet, making four cookies.
4. Bake at 350 degrees about 8 minutes, until golden brown.

Cookies & Cream Ice Cream

Ingredients:

• Your choice of low-carb vanilla ice cream 
• ProtiWise Chocolate Sandwich Cookies

Directions:

1. Using a Ziploc bag and dough roller, crush cookies into crumbled pieces
2. Add cookies crumbles to a serving of vanilla ice cream
3. Serve & Enjoy

Keep your children performing at their best by helping them develop healthy habits. Help them eat right, get active and understand the healthier alternatives in life.