Growing Healthier Kids: Snack Gardening

Spring always gives me a renewed love for gardening.

We weren't able to plant a vegetable garden last year because we were getting our house ready to sell and we had to replace our vegetable patch with a flower bed. But this year, I'm ready to go and we just finished our raised-bed garden in the new house.

I like to plant things that allow my kids to eat directly from the garden.

It's healthy and they think it's great fun.

Here are my top 5 favorite fruits and vegetables to encourage healthy snacking:

1. Cherry Tomatoes

Tomatoes contain high levels of lycopene, a cancer-reducing antioxidant, and lutein, which is crucial for healthy eyes
They are rich in potassium
Lycopene becomes even more concentrated when cooked (Meaning tomatoes are actually healthier for you after they've been cooked!)

2. Sugar Snap Peas

These are a genetic hybrid of green peas and snow peas
They only contain 35 calories per cup
1 cup is 50% of your daily recommended intake of Vitamin C

3. Blueberries

Contain anthocyanins, which give them their purple color
1 cup is 25% of your daily recommended intake of Vitamin C
They are considered to be one of the top 20 most nutrient dense foods

4. Strawberries

Another excellent source of Vitamin C. 1 serving (1/2 cup) is 50% of your daily recommended intake.
Antioxidant properties of strawberries may prevent cataracts and suppress cancer cell growth

5. Herbs

Basil has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, and is rich in antioxidants
Parsley contains apigenin, found to reduce breast cancer tumors
Oregano is antimicrobial, contains Vitamin K for bone growth, and has high amounts of antioxidants