Healthy summer snacks for kids

Summer holidays are here and the kids are going to be home all the time. They’re always going to be hungry, not to mention hot, once they rush in after they’ve played long hours in the sun. Here are some healthy summer snack ideas for kids, for fun, and to beat the heat. And since they're so healthy, all the hard-working mommies can indulge in them as well! 

 

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  Chocolate cake: Add 4 tbsp all-purpose flour, 4tbsp sugar, 2 tbsp cocoa to a coffee mug and mix well with a fork. Add 1egg and mix thoroughly. Pour 3 tbsp milk, 3 tbsp oil, and 2-3 drops vanilla extract and mix well, being sure to scrape the edges of the cup. Add 3 tbsp chocolate chips and mix again. Place the mug in the microwave and cook for 3 minutes. Allow cake to cool. Serve with ice-cream.

                                           

  Grilled Chicken Salad with seasonal fruit: Grill 1 pound chicken breasts, 8 mins on each side, or until juices run clear. Remove from heat, cool, and slice. Roast ½ cup pecans until fragrant, stirring frequently, 8 mins.In a blender, combine 1/3 cup red wine vinegar, ½ cup sugar, 1 cup olive oil, ½ minced onion, 1 tsp mustard, I tsp salt, and ¼ tsp pepper. Process until smooth.Top with grilled chicken slices, I cup sliced mangoes, and pecans. Drizzle with the dressing to serve

   

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    Fruit Kebabs: Dice up different coloured fruits and line them up on a wooden skewer. Drizzle chocolate sauce. Just serving fruit in interesting ways can do the trick of making them feel like eating fruits and other
     
     

  
  

                                             

  Coconut water: An inexpensive coconut is full of health benefits and has wonderful cooling properties. It is laden with simple sugars, electrolytes and essential minerals which help keep the body well hydrated.

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    Lime water: The simple lime water or nimboo pani is not only refreshing, it also has health benefits for you. You can have it sweet, salted or add a dash of black salt and cumin powder to it. Have it chilled and beat the heat
     
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      Iced lemongrass tea: Get a few stalks of lemongrass, trim and peel them, then cut and smash the stalks with the flat of knife blade to release the “juices.” Bring them to a boil in a pot of water and cover. Cut the flames and let it steep for twenty minutes. At this point, add sugar. Leave to cool, refrigerate overnight and serve with ice.
      Optional: Add fresh mint leaves
               
      Mango Smoothies: Add 1 banana, 1/2 cup yogurt, 1 cup orange juice, and 1 cup ice cubes to a blender and blend. Now add 1 large, chilled mango (chopped) and pulse till it blends well. Serves 4.
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