Healthy Food Activities for Children

Healthy food activities are a great way to introduce children to nutritious food choices and help them develop healthy eating habits. Children may be more inclined to try healthy foods if they are allowed to prepare them in a creative way. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, teaching healthy eating habits can prevent childhood obesity and the health problems associated with it.

  1. Banana Bugs

    • Children can make their own fruit salads by creating colorful banana bugs. Peel a banana for each child, and set out a variety of fruits, vegetables and nuts to decorate the bugs. Carrot sticks can be used to create antennae while raw almonds can be pressed into the bottom of each bug to create stubby legs. Halved grapes or cherries make lovely eyes or spots on the bug, and unsweetened coconut can be used to create the appearance of hair. Cover a salad plate with mixed greens in order to create a realistic habitat for the banana bug and encourage children to eat their fruits and vegetables.

    Peanut Butter Play Dough

    • An edible play dough can be created by combining 1/2 cup of peanut butter with one cup of powdered milk and 1/2 cup of honey. Use natural peanut butter in order to reduce the amount of sugar in this recipe. Mix the ingredients together until they form a clay, and allow children to create sculptures that can be decorated with various dried fruits such as cranberries, cherries, blueberries and raisins. Other edible building materials include pretzel sticks, assorted nuts, sunflower seeds and unsweetened coconut. Keep in mind that children under 12 months of age should not consume honey due to the risk of infant botulism.

    Sandwich Art

    • Use slices of hearty whole-grain bread to create sandwich art with milk and food coloring. The thick whole-grain bread is not only healthier than white bread, it will also create a sturdier canvas that won't become soggy as easily. Combine 2 to 4 tsp. of milk with a few drops of food coloring in shallow dishes or cups. Allow children to paint pictures on the bread with new paintbrushes, and the tinted milk. Once the painting is finished, the bread can be toasted in order to set the picture. Children can eat the bread plain or use it to create sandwiches with lean meats and cheese, or natural peanut butter and sugar-free jam or jelly.

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