Safari Snackers

I made this fun and tasty snack with one my younger patients yesterday and thought it was worth sharing. When getting little ones to fill up on fruits and veggies it often takes a bit of creativity and fun. It also takes setting a good example by modeling healthy food intake yourself and helping your children develop a positive relationship with food (forcing children to clean their plates or rewarding with unhealthy foods are generally not the best ideas in the long run--I'll write more on this later!). 

So, if your looking for a creative snack for the kiddos to make this weekend--here you go! My fellow RD coworker and I came up with Safari Snackers, a new twist on an old favorite—ants on a log. Enjoy!

Notes: The animal crackers I used were from Whole Foods (Barbara's Oatmeal Animal Cookies).

PB and Banana Boats	Creamy, Dreamy  Cranberry Treats	Ticks on a Stick
Spread a tablespoon of peanut butter onto a celery stick. Top with a halved banana slice and an animal friend (we like to use an animal cracker monkey!)   *You can use raisins, or your favorite fruit, in place of the banana! You could also use almond butter in place of the PB!	Spread a tablespoon of low-fat cream cheese onto a celery stick. Top with a tiny trail of cranberries and an animal friend (animal cracker).   *You can use pomegranate seeds, or your favorite berry, in place of the cranberries.	Spread a tablespoon of hummus onto a celery stick. Top with a tiny trail of black beans (canned—drained and rinsed- or dried beans that have been cooked).