It is important for you to have healthy snacks for your kids so that they are not always reaching for sweets or potato chips when they are hungry in the middle of the day. Healthy snacks boost their metabolism and help them function better in all situations. They will be more attentive, more relaxed, and definitely easier to get along with when their tummy is full of good, nutritional food.
The following are some top tips for planning such snacks.
1. Cut up Fruits and Veggies
Many children love the taste of fruits and veggies such as apple slices, oranges, baby carrots and cucumber slices.
Although it can require some preparation time to present this healthy option in a manner that will appeal to your child, it is definitely one of the healthiest and most delicious ways to give them a snack that can be appropriate in many different situations.
However, make sure that you take the time to place this snack in a container that can be kept at the appropriate temperature if they are going to be eating it away from home. According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, it is also a good idea to make the snacks more fun by pairing apple slices with peanut butter and baby carrots with low-fat ranch dressing.
2. Mini Pizzas
Children love pizza, but most of it is overly expensive and not very healthy.
However, there are some ways for you to make quick mini pizzas at home that will satisfy your child’s desire for this food without forcing you to spend a lot of money or provide them with an unhealthy option.
One of the best methods is to put pizza sauce, shredded cheese and their favorite veggies, such as peppers or mushrooms, on a toasted English muffin.
It is also common for parents to put cheese and pizza sauce on refrigerator biscuits. This method will take approximately eight minutes to cook, but you can easily make more than necessary so that they can be reheated later on.
3. Ready to Go Snacks
When you have children, it is always important to have healthy snacks with you while you are on the go.
Fortunately, there are many different options that can meet your goal of being healthy and inexpensive, including dried fruit, nuts and cereal that is low in sugar in a sandwich bag.
Alternatively, if your child enjoys eating a variety of nuts such as almonds, dates, walnuts and soy nuts, you could simply bring that with you on the road and skip the cereal.
4. Granola Bars
There is almost nothing easier than adding a granola bar to your child’s school lunch in order to give them access to an easy snack.
These bars provide several essential nutrients, but you should review the nutritional information to ensure that you do not purchase any that contain an exorbitantly high amount of sugar.
It is also a good idea to keep some granola bars in your car because they provide the perfect boost when someone gets hungry during a road trip.
Ultimately, the best way to ensure that your child eats healthy snacks is to introduce them to these options at a young age. After all, giving your child apple slices instead of a candy bar is a much healthier and budget friendly choice, and it will also help them grow up with an appreciation for the type of food that will give their body the proper fuel to get through each day.
