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Peanuts/peanut butter – This tasty staple, which has been around for years, has essential fatty acids necessary for promoting normal brain function and development. It’s best to use a kind with minimal additives
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Hard-boiled egg – Provides much-needed protein for a child’s growing body and strengthens the immune system, which means fewer sick days
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Yogurt with honey – Rather than going for the yogurt loaded with sugar and food coloring, give your child a dose of plain yogurt, known to enhance the digestion of other foods, with a little honey, known to have antibiotic qualities.
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Soups with spices – Especially on those cold winter days, soup, can be warming, and wonderful spices such as rosemary, oregano, cumin and sage have antimicrobial properties defending against colds and flu.
Hint: Tomatoes are a great source of vitamin C. Take tomato soup and add rosemary, oregano and sage for a quick and easy meal.
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Sweet potato chips – Sweet potatoes are a great source of vitamin A, calcium, iron and vitamin C. They are a great alternative to greasy potato chips, and their sweetness can often satisfy the desire for other sweets.
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Grapes – This fun finger food is best bought dark skinned, as they are the most nutrient dense. Grapes contain large amounts of disease-fighting bioflavonoids and are another way to remedy a sweet tooth.
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Hummus – Made with pureed chickpeas, hummus is a great dip for children. It has both calcium and magnesium for building strong bones as well as B6 and iron. And the added lemon juice has vitamin C and antiseptic qualities.