Who doesn’t want kids to eat healthy? But we tend to feed them more and more foods purchased from the supermarket, which are not exactly healthy. If you really want your kids to eat snacks that can help their physical and psychological growth, then you need to start feeding them healthy homemade foods. And contrary to what people often think, not all homemade recipes are complicated. Try these simple healthy recipes that you kids would love at all times.

Chia seed protein balls

Chia seeds are loaded with nutrients that are beneficial for a child’s mental and physical development. They are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids and fiber that are rich in antioxidants, and other vital minerals. This healthy recipe is a perfect snack for not just your kids but also for those allergic to gluten, eggs, dairy, or corn.

Ingredients

• Quick-cooking oats – 1½ cups
• Almond butter or creamy peanut butter – ½ cup
• Chia seeds – ½ cup
• Honey – ½ cup
• Vanilla or chocolate protein powder – ¼ cup
• Unsweetened shredded coconut – ¼ cup

Preparation

• Combine all ingredients in a large bowl.
• Refrigerate the mixture for about an hour or until it is firm enough to be rolled.
• Make about 1½-inch sized balls, and add more coconut if required, and serve.

Skinny banana bread muffins

Most of us already know how healthy bananas are—they contain vitamin B6 and C, dietary fiber, manganese, and other essential nutrients. These banana bread muffins are lip-smackingly delicious and healthy because they are low in sugar and do not require oil for preparation.

Ingredients

• Mashed bananas – 3 or 4
• Large egg – 1
• Baking soda, baking powder, and ground cinnamon – 1 tablespoon each
• Salt – ½ tbsp
• Vanilla extract – 1 tbsp
• Light brown sugar – 3 tbsp
• Granulated sugar – 2 tbsp
• White or whole wheat flour – 1½ cups
• Melted, unsalted butter – 2 tbsp

Preparation

• Grease a regular-size muffin pan, and preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• Put the mashed bananas in a mixing bowl, and add egg, vanilla, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon to it. Stir to combine.
• In a different bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add the previous mixture to this, and stir to combine.
• Slowly pour some melted butter into the mixture, but don’t over-mix the batter.
• Put the batter into the preheated muffin pan, and bake for 20-25 minutes. The muffins will be ready!

Roasted chickpeas

Chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, are a high in protein, which makes them a great vegetarian alternative to meat. This roasted chickpeas recipe is equal parts tasty and healthy.

Ingredients

• Chickpeas – 1 can or 2 cups
• Vegetable or canola oil – 1 tbsp
• Fine sea salt – ½ tbsp
• Ground black pepper – ¼ tbsp
• Ground cumin – ⅛ tbsp
• Ground turmeric – ⅛ tbsp

Preparation

• Rinse the chickpeas and spread them on a kitchen towel. Allow them to dry. Preheat the oven to 375 F.
• Put the chickpeas in a bowl. Add some oil and toss the chickpeas well. Sprinkle salt and your favorite spices over them and toss again.
• Transfer the chickpeas to a baking sheet and spread them. Bake for about 45 minutes until they take on a brown color. Allow them to dry out before serving.