HEALTHY FINGER FOODS FOR KIDS

One of the most challenging tasks mothers all over the world face is providing healthy foods that support the growth and development of their kids. Through advertisements, children get attracted to junk food which not only lacks in nutrients but also has many harmful effects on their growth. However, since children are now involved in many extracurricular activities, their nutritional demands are high. And to meet these nutritional demands, it is essential they eat healthy and avoid junk food. According to child psychologists, kids should not be forced to eat all the time. In fact, when they feel hungry, they should reach out to food on their own. Hence, mothers should not continuously reprimand their kids to eat three major meals in a day but try to bridge the gap between these three meals, by adding finger foods to their diet. Finger foods are the best way to introduce a healthy snack option that includes all macro and micro nutrients which are essential to support a child's optimum growth. And as children's likes and dislikes depend on the texture and appearance of the food, finger foods can be prepared according to their choice. So, here are some relishing finger food recipes that are appetizing and healthy as well. VEGGIE BITESrnPreheat the oven to 450°F. Brush a rectangular microwave dish with butter. Beat eggs and water in a bowl. Simultaneously, mix flour and salt. Dip a few cut vegetables like carrots, red and yellow bell peppers, cauliflower florets or veggies of your choice (one-fourth) in the egg mixture. Roll them in the flour mixture. Repeat the same with the rest of the vegetables and place them all in the dish. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes and turn them in between. Cook until the vegetables turn light brown in colour. Sprinkle the baked veggies with cheese and serve in a bowl. EGG WHITE PINWHEEL Grind onion, tomato, carrot and coriander into a thick paste. Mix egg whites, salt and red chilli powder. Pour the egg white mixture onto a pan to make an omelette. Flip the omelette and add the mixture of vegetables on top of it. Roll the omelette and cut into pieces. Serve hot. SWEET POTATO WEDGESrnPreheat the oven to 200°C/400°F. Toss the sweet potato wedges with some oil, salt, ground black pepper and oregano. Put it into the oven for 15-20 minutes, until light brown and serve. DRY FRUIT LADDOOS Roast some almonds till brown. Chop the figs and dates. Peel cardamom and powder it coarsely. Grind chopped dates, figs, raisins, almonds and cardamom powder into a coarse mixture. Roll it into small balls and serve immediately.