Healthier Treats

As your children grow older and become more independent, it can be difficult to influence their habits, particularly when it comes to treats.

They have more freedom to make their own choices and also their own money, so can choose what they enjoy away from home.

We take a look at a few tasty treats which will hopefully get their seal of approval so they can enjoy a healthier treat every once in a while. Popcorn Popcorn is a teen favourite, but rather than choosing the shop-bought type drenched in sugar, why not have a go at making your own.

Nigella Lawson has a great Party Popcorn recip.

which is both a little salty and a little sweet and has a delicious blend of cinnamon, cumin and paprika – delicious! Nachos The perfect food for a film night, late night snack or any time really and can be both healthy and delicious.

Top tortilla chips with a veggie black bean chilli or keep it simple and add refried beans, chillies, chopped tomatoes and grated cheese, bake for 10 minutes then dig in. Protein Pots Make a selection of protein pots and pop them in the fridge so your teen can grab and go whenever they feel peckish.

Fill a small pot with veggies and protein, we have made some suggestions below but why not mix a few up and find your favourite selection: Spinach, boiled egg and avocado Tuna, boiled egg and tomato Roast chicken, tomato, cucumber and hummus Roast chicken, tomato, guacamole and lime juice Roast sweet potato, spinach, quinoa and hummus Frozen Yoghurt Whip up a tub of frozen yoghurt as a healthy and guilt free alternative to ice-cream.

Here’s a quick and easy recipe from Jamie Olive.

that is amazing. Cocoa Bites These are so tasty, quick to make and only use 3 ingredients – what’s not to like.

Pop 115g of walnuts, 200g of medjool dates and 2 Tbsp of cacao powder into your food processor and whizz until they make a big squidgy ball.

Then using your hands, roll out small walnut sized balls and pop into a sealed container and keep at either room temperature or pop in the fridge – amazing!

As your children grow older and become more independent, it can be difficult to influence their habits, particularly when it comes to treats