Tempting Party Treats for Tiny Tots

It’s kids party time! But how do you go about feeding party foods to a team of hungry tiny tots without feeling guilty afterwards?

As much as the little ones might love you for creating a spread of fried finger foods, chocolate cakes and hundreds and thousands on top of a thick layer of butter, you know you won’t be doing their health any favours.

However, there is a solution. There are dozens of delicious alternatives to the traditional fatty and sweet party foods, and the kids will love and devour them without even realising they’re eating a healthy and nutritious snack.

It’s easy to fill them up on goodness. Banana roll-ups are a fantastic example of a quick and healthy treat for the kids. Just add a little honey and peanut butter to some sultanas and roll them up on wholemeal Lebanese bread - it’s sure to get those little lips smacking.

Children these days tend to be more sophisticated when it comes to making food choices than they were in the past, so don’t be afraid to stretch their expectations a little.

Why not try these easy recipes for a simple bean nachos or healthy berry muffin?
With these yummy, simple-to-prepare foods, you can make sure the kids are having fun and still getting plenty of essential nutrients.

To make them even healthier, try using wholegrain ingredients such as wholemeal flour. Wholegrains are packed with healthy carbohydrates which are essential for energy, fibre for a healthy digestive system, and lots of vitamins and minerals.

Wholegrain foods can help with weight control and also help prevent type 2 diabetes - good news given that diabetes is linked with excess weight, and both are increasing amongst our children.

And don’t forget that you are an important role-model for your kids. Teaching them to eat healthy foods - including a wide range of grain foods such as cereals, pastas, rice and wholemeal or wholegrain breads - will help reduce their risk of serious disease later in life.

For more information on the health benefits of grains - and a selection of delicious family favourite recipes featuring pastas, couscous, polenta, barley and more - visit: www.gograins.grdc.com.au

Party Treat Recipes

Banana Roll Ups Bean Nachos Berry Swirl Muffins