When the most popular snacks for kids are loaded with preservatives and added sugar, it can be too much of a task for parents to pick suitable options. Healthy snacks can be tasty too, and you can pack various nutritious snacks for your kids to school. You can explore multiple healthy snack options and ensure that your child gets the proper nutrients that are crucial for them. Here are some healthy snacks that kids love:
Whole-grain crackers
Whole-grain crackers are a healthy substitute for biscuits that have high added sugar. You can pack them for school or keep a box in the car. You can even combine whole-grain crackers with peanut butter, cheese and hummus. Change these toppings periodically based on your child’s preference. Annie’s Whole Wheat Bunnies are a major hit among kids, and this snack has zero artificial preservatives. Make sure the crackers are packed with protein, fiber, and not too much sugar.
Yogurt
Kids need a sufficient source of calcium, and sometimes they can get fussy about drinking milk. Yogurt is an ideal snack option as you get to play around with them and combine it with fruits or make yogurt pops. The protein in yogurt can be beneficial for your child’s growth, and probiotic yogurt has bacteria that are good for the digestive system. Avoid brands that have excessive sugar or artificial fruit flavoring. Instead, you can buy plain yogurt and top it with freshly cut strawberries, nuts, and any other topping that your child may like.
Cookies
When made with healthy ingredients, cookies can be an ideal snack option for your child, regardless of age. You don’t have to worry if your child is munching on one too many when you substitute refined flour with whole grain or millet flour and add some fruits and vegetables to the cookie dough. Peanut butter oatmeal banana cookies taste heavenly when coconut or organic brown sugar is used. Sweet potato and spiced pumpkin cookies are snacks that you can try introducing into your kid’s meal plan. While applesauce and gingerbread cookies are popular during the holiday season, they are nutritious and can be made year-round.
Hummus and vegetable sticks
Coaxing a child to eat veggies every day is a daunting task. Vegetable sticks with hummus are one way of making them eat some vegetables. Hummus is tasty and creamy, with a good amount of chickpeas that contain antioxidants and protein fiber. You can cut freshly bought carrots and serve the carrot sticks with some hummus. Explore a range of mouth-watering hummus flavors like black bean, roasted red pepper, or smoky sweet potato hummus that can go with a range of raw vegetables. You can even spread the hummus on pita pockets made with whole wheat and combine them with sliced veggies.
Hard-boiled eggs
Pediatricians recommend eggs as a regular item in a kid’s nutritional regime as they are a stable source of protein and are easy to prepare. Hard-boiled eggs seasoned with some salt and pepper are a simple but nutritious snack option. You can consider serving them with sliced avocadoes or hummus. A healthy amount of fat is necessary for your kids. You can make a classic egg salad and season it with apple cider vinegar and fresh lemon juice.
Cheese
A slice of cheese contains magnesium, vitamins, and proteins that can enrich your child’s overall nutrition. You can cut cheese cubes and pack them in your kid’s lunch box. Mozzarella cheese and tomato or cheddar cheese with sliced apples are sandwich stuffing you can make for an evening snack. You can bake cheese crackers or shred some parmesan cheese on a baked potato. Cheese is not just a good source of calcium. Research shows that consuming cheese reduces the risk of cavities in kids.
Smoothies
Full-fruit or fruit and vegetable smoothies are healthy snacks you can give your kids after playtime. You can take milk or yogurt and blend it with raw fruits or vegetables with a dash of peanut butter. If you plan to buy packed smoothies, ensure sodium is not too high. Melon cucumber smoothies are a popular summer snack loaded with multi-vitamins and multi-minerals. A blueberry smoothie with a pinch of nutmeg or a berry smoothie with a blend of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries blended with low-fat yogurt are options you can consider if your kid likes berries.
Making a child understand the importance of eating healthy takes time and perseverance. If you are buying packed snacks for your kid, review the ingredients list several times to see if the necessary nutrients are there. Some kids are allergic to products like soy, honey, and berries. If your kid is prone to allergies, look for items that can be potential triggers, like hidden sugars or synthetic additives. Look for products certified by doctors as allergen-free so you can be sure of giving them to your child. Make a weekly list and buy your groceries accordingly, so your kid eats nutritious snacks continuously. You can create a snack menu with your child to help them understand what is good for them. It also helps them eat the snacks without a fuss as they are likely to be more committed to their choices. Creating a structure in eating patterns can weed out junk food.
