Five fruits that sneak fiber into their snack
When it comes to getting enough fiber, many of us think of whole-grain bread, pasta and crackers, and legumes like beans. These are all terrific options, but many snack-friendly fruits are good sources of fiber, too. Here are five that can help your kids get the recommended amount of fiber every day.
Apple – One of many reasons it’s the one-a-day fruit! If your kids are old enough, you should strongly encourage them to eat apple with the skin on – that’s where most of the fiber is.
Avocado – Yep, it’s a fruit. Try serving it cut up with a pinch of salt and orange slices – the acidity of citrus fruit brings out the avocado’s flavor (and adds even more fiber). It’s true that not all kids will dig the avocado’s mild taste and creamy texture, but that’s also what makes it so easy to combine with other foods or turn into a guacamole-style dip made with flavors that they do like.
Banana – One banana contains at least 3 grams of fiber. Roll up a whole banana in a piece of whole-wheat bread with peanut butter, and then cut it into rings for a snack packed with fiber, protein and potassium.
Berries – Just a cup of raw raspberries or blackberries delivers between 7 and 8 grams of fiber. These little fruits are the perfect size for little hands.
Clementines – Like all oranges, clementines are a good source of dietary fiber and full of vitamin C. Plus, like berries, they’re kid-sized.
