As a mom I feel like I'm always on a guilt trip for one reason or the other. One day it could be because I've exceeded my little ones screen time and the next day could be the result of an overdose of cookies! But then I've also realised that I don't need to get so overwhelmed and give this feeling of guilt inside me a break. A lot of credit for this positivity goes to social media. There are so many moms just like me sharing their motherhood experiences through their personal blogs and Instagram. Trust me it's a relief to know that you're not the only one sailing in the boat of motherhood. Everyone goes through good and bad days but in the end it's all a learning process.
In today's blogpost I'm going to share a few healthy Indian snack options that are tried and tested on D. Since RJ and me both are chocolate lovers and can't keep are hands off fried stuff, it's no surprise to me that D already has her taste buds leaning towards cookies and chips!
There came a point when she started asking for it on a daily basis and I had to stop. I started saying NO to her each time she asked for a cookie or chips but also hated that feeling of refusing to her that often.
I'm trying to be a #yesmom ( inspired from a fellow mom blogger) because using the word NO too often for things that our kids ask or want can have a negative impact on them and make them rebels. So instead I decided to take a different route and look for healthier substitutes that would satisfy her cravings and also be healthy.
The following foods have worked amazingly well for me plus I can't get over all the benefits they come with.
While compiling this blogpost I realised how coincidentally all these snacking items are of Indian origin
1) Roasted Chana:
This power snack packed with proteins and fiber is just as good for our kiddos as it is for us. So feel free to let them munch on it as much as they want. D loves them and even the mention of the word "chana" cheers her up. They come so handy especially when I have to keep her glued to the car seat or avoid giving her screen time while dining at restaurants. Seriously these are a life saver for me and I always keep them stocked up. You can find them at any local Indian grocery store.
2)Rajgiri ki chikki:
Yet another power house of nutrients that's a big hit in our house when it comes to snacking. Rajgira (English name: Amaranth) is not just a good source of calcium, proteins, amino acids but also rich in iron, magnesium and vitamins A,B & C.
So many benefits in one and tastes way too yummy for your little one to not get hooked. Because of its sweet taste it serves as a great alternative every time D craves for cookies or something on the sweeter side. You can buy them at any local Indian grocery store.
3)Makhana (Fox nuts):
This particular Indian snack comes handy each time D craves for chips. It has a similar crunchy taste and can be quite addictive just like a regular bag of chips but the good part is how much of a healthier option this is.
They are a great source of proteins, fiber, magnesium, zinc and iron and are even considered superior to other nuts like almonds and walnuts.
I Sauté them in a pan with some ghee on medium flame for a minute and then finish off with a sprinkle of salt and black pepper. Once it cools down they are ready to eat. Super quick and a yummy snack option pre approved by my toddler
Find it at any Indian local grocery store.
4)Nagli/ Ragi papad:
Rich in calcium and protein this grain has many health benefits. When D was younger and only eating food in puréed form, I fed her porridges made out of ragi flour and she really enjoyed eating them until the last bite.
Now my mother in law gets these tiny papads made out of the grain. Good thing is that deep frying them is optional. You can instead bake it in the microwave for a minute and just like that a crunchy and healthy snack is ready to be served. This too is a great substitute for chips.
5)Home made potato chips:
Though not exactly a healthy option it's at least a better option then a store bought bag of chips. My mom use to make chips at home and fry them for us. I remember how they were my favorite food while growing up.
So I asked my mom to make a batch for me and have it sent from India. They are merely washed and peeled potato slices that are sun dried for few days until they get completely dehydrated. And then you can just deep fry. Two important advantages over store bought chips is the oil that we use for frying and the quality of the potatoes.
I'm not sure if these are available at the Indian grocery store but as I mentioned above the process of making them is quite simple.
All of these snacks options have immensely helped me in cutting down my 20 month old toddlers intake of unhealthy stuff.
Occasionally I do let D indulge in an actual bag of potato chips and real cookies because I truly feel that motherhood also deserves the right to spoiling our kids once in a while! No guilt attached
No comments:
Post a Comment