Now that the kids are back to school, you still have to make sure that they’re getting 25% of their daily calories from snacks. These mini-meals should help them grow healthy. The problem is, what kind of snack would they love to eat?
The snacks you give to your kids should be nutritious, aside from being delicious. However, most kids would ask for candies, cookies, etc. Instead of foods high in sugar and fat, give them foods that contain fiber, calcium, iron and vitamins. Fiber makes them feel full and keeps their digestive tract healthy, while calcium is important for their growing bones and teeth. Moreover, iron helps them in staying active without feeling fatigued and it has a positive effect on their attention span which is important while they’re learning.
Healthy Eats suggests the following healthy foods that they would love to eat during school and after school snacks.
During School
- Fresh fruits such as banana, apple, grapes, strawberries or raisins. Put them in a small resealable baggie or plastic container.
- Yogurts, string cheese, dried fruit, natural popcorn or granola bars are also quick snacks that can be easily tucked into their backpacks.
- These snacks can be taken between classes before lunch break, which is often late in the day. They are definitely going to do better in school if they are not hungry.
After School
- Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon of honey, 1/4 cup blueberries
- A slice of angel food cake topped with fresh berries
- An apple dipped in 2 tablespoons of natural peanut butter
- 1/2 whole-wheat pita with hummus and sliced cucumbers
- Hard-boiled egg with sliced veggies like tomatoes, radishes or cucumbers on the side
- 1/2 cup pretzels dipped in 2 tablespoons of low-fat cream cheese
- Edamame (baby soy beans)
- A handful of almonds and dates: stuff 1 almond into each pitted date
- 1 cup of homemade popcorn
- 1 cup of cereal with 1% or skim milk
- Turkey or ham roll ups: 1 slice lean deli meat rolled with 1 slice reduced fat American cheese
Children also love to dip, so slice up some veggies, pretzels or baked chips and make your own dip: hummus, salsa, ranch dressing, guacamole.
Image by woodleywonderworks.
Tags:Healthy Kids,
healthy snacksRelated reading:
The snacks you give to your kids should be nutritious, aside from being delicious. However, most kids would ask for candies, cookies, etc. Instead of foods high in sugar and fat, give them foods that contain fiber, calcium, iron and vitamins. Fiber makes them feel full and keeps their digestive tract healthy, while calcium is important for their growing bones and teeth. Moreover, iron helps them in staying active without feeling fatigued and it has a positive effect on their attention span which is important while they’re learning.
Healthy Eats suggests the following healthy foods that they would love to eat during school and after school snacks.
During School
After School
Children also love to dip, so slice up some veggies, pretzels or baked chips and make your own dip: hummus, salsa, ranch dressing, guacamole.
Tags:Healthy Kids, healthy snacks
Related reading: