Wellness :: Healthy and Easy Snacks for Kids

When it comes time for snacks it is easy to go for the prepackaged things. Things like chips, sodas, and candy always seem to be on hand when snack time rolls around. However these items are not only unhealthy for children now but can lead to a lifetime of bad eating habits later. Instead, make snack time healthy and easy with these simple, kid friendly snack ideas:

Animal Crackers – While animal crackers are not my favorite snack, kids seem to love the bland flavor. I love the fact that they are low in fat and very filling. To tell you the truth I think kids like them mostly because they can play with the animal shapes and then bite the heads and feet off. Oh, well, as long as they are eating right!
Ants on a Log – This classic kid’s snack is one we can all remember getting growing up. That is because it not only tastes great but is great for you as well. Fill a piece of celery with peanut butter and add on a few raisin ants. The peanut butter has protein to keep kids full longer, the celery has fiber and the raisins are full of great vitamins. All in all it is a quick and well-rounded snack kids love to get.
Apple Sandwiches – Have you ever thought of using apples instead of bread for sandwiches? This is a great way to get kids to eat more fruit. Just core and apple, peel it and slice it in rings. Then fill the rings with peanut butter and raisins or cranberries for a tasty sandwich treat. This is also a great sandwich with cheese slices. Yum yum!
Baby Vegetables – Getting kids to eat their veggies is often easier said than done. However one thing I have noticed helps my kids to snack on veggies is giving them kid friendly baby vegetables. Baby vegetables have a more delicate flavor and texture that is great for kids to eat. You can also give them a light dipping sauce like ranch to further increase their ability to enjoy this healthy snack. Bite sized fruits are also a great thing to add in to mix things up and make the snack nutritious and delicious.
Cheese Crackers – Goldfish crackers are a big hit with my kids but I hate the price and the lack of control I have over the ingredients. That is why I was so pleased to come across this simple recipe. With only four ingredients: cheese, salt, flour and butter, I can make my kids a homemade version that is just as tasty and much more affordable.
Dried Fruits and Vegetables – A great way to add fruits and vegetables to your children’s diets is through dried produce. Although it is not a good idea to eat a lot of dried produce without adequate water, a light snack of dried fruits and veggies can be a great alternative to unhealthy food items. Things like dried okra and peas are a replacement for French fries. Dried fruits like apricots or plums can be a fun dessert like treat. Freeze dried fruits like strawberries are great in cereals and other dry snacks.
Dry Cereal – Dry cereal is a great on the go snack for children of all ages. Low sugar cereals like Cheerios give a great boost in vitamins without added sugar. Whole grains and dried fruit can also be found in many cereals. Even without milk, cereal can be a fun snack for kids any time of the day.
Frozen Banana Pops – A great alternative to ice cream, frozen bananas have a similar texture and even flavor. All you need to do is peel a banana and cut in in half. Pop it on a stick and freeze for a fun treat. Or jazz it up by dipping it in melted chocolate and rolling it in chopped nuts. You can also add sprinkles for a fun party snack as well!
Frozen Grapes – Many of us would not think of freezing grapes, but they make for a fun snack no matter what time of year it is. They are simply nutritious too. Make it fun by sprinkling on a dash of sugar and the kids will gobble them up. Grapes get slightly crunchy when frozen which makes them more fun to eat than normal. Just keep in mind that when they defrost they will turn brown so it is best to freeze them a few at a time. You can also use frozen grapes in lunch kits to keep other foods cool until lunch time.
Fruit Pops – Did you know it is super easy to make your own fruit popsicles? All it takes is some fruit juice and diced fresh fruit to make a tasty treat. You can also make smoothie pope by pureeing different fruits and freezing them. Or just keep it simple with diced fruit pieces dropped in a popsicle mold and filled with fruit juice. I like to use white grape juice so you can see the fruit. For a fun but less healthy party treat you can also make it with gummy fish instead of fruit for aquarium pops!
Fruit Rolls – My children love those prepackaged, sticky and artificially colored fruit roll-ups found in stores. However I hate the fake flavors, high sugar content and negative nutritional value. That is why I now make my own fruit rolls! It is easy to do and the rolls last for weeks in the refrigerator. All it takes is fresh strawberries and applesauce. Puree the strawberries and mix in the applesauce, adding a few drops of lemon for color preservation. Then spread ou on a lined baking sheet and let it dry in a low oven. Cut into strips and store in the refrigerator for a healthy snack even on the go.
Graham Crackers – These tasty crackers were originally a diet food so it is no wonder that they can also be a great easy snack for kids. While not as healthy as the original formula, today’s crackers come in a wide variety of flavors like cinnamon and honey that appeal to children. A few bites of crackers with milk is a great snack idea. Fresh fruit is also a tasty addition to graham crackers.
Meat, Cheese and Crackers – Those Lunchables your kids beg you for at the store are easy to make the healthy way at home. Whole wheat crackers, low fat cheese slices and turkey meat make for a great snack for kids. Cut into fun bite sized shapes kids love to stack and eat these finger sandwiches.
Oatmeal Cookies – Although it might seem strange to serve cookies for a healthy snack, oatmeal cookies are actually filled with healthy ingredients and can easily be lighted up to fit in for a snack time treat. Filled with whole grain oats, dried fruit like cranberries or raisins and lightened up with apple sauce instead of some of the oil this can be a nutritious snack food option. I also cut down on the sugar by adding more vanilla flavoring. If you like to add chocolate chips to your oatmeal cookies you can sprinkle about a fourth of a bag in to add the flavor without adding in too many extra calories. Remember that dark chocolates, like semi-sweet, are full of antioxidants too.
Pretzels – Pretzels are a great snack because they come in a wide variety of flavors and textures and are low fat. Big pretzels are soft and easy to make at home and can be flavored with sea salt, cinnamon and sugar, cheese or anything else you can think of. Small pretzels are crunchy and easy to eat on the go or at home. They are great dipped in mustard or in peanut butter for a quick and healthy snack option. Paired with bananas they are a tasty treat kids will love.
Pudding – Another common snack that can be healthy instead of sugar filled is pudding. I love to make tapioca pudding for my kids as the little beads and vanilla flavoring let me make it with less sugar and nutritious milk. Tapioca is also gluten free and can be made with any number of flavorings. I can also buy sugar free versions and I find that the cook and serve versions are much better tasting, and better for you, than the instant or premade versions. Lemon and chocolate puddings are my children’s favorite flavors and are easy to mix up. Serve warm for a tasty winter snack or let it chill for an anytime treat. As far as flavor and texture goes I find that two percent milk is best to use. It is also full of calcium and vitamin D for strong bones! However other milks, like soy or almond, work well too.
Smoothies – Smoothies are a fun anytime snack, especially when you are on the go. There are so many ways to make smoothies, and so many things you can add to them to make them even more nutritious. Protein powders, juiced vegetables and more can be added to increase the vitamins and nutrients in smoothies. Simple banana and strawberry is my favorite, but apple and carrot is a great combo as well.
Trail Mix – Instead of buying expensive trail mixes from the store that are filled with who knows what why not make your own? Making trail mix is an easy snack for in the car and on the go. Combine your kids’ favorite nuts, dried fruits, crunchy snacks and more for a tasty treat. Even dry cereal makes for a good addition to trail mix. Granola is another good addition. Try to avoid things that melt or spoil easily in the sun and you will have a sure bet.

These are just a few great ideas for healthy and easy snacks for kids. Try some of these snacks and see what your children ask for again and again.

About the Author:

Ken Myers is an expert advisor on in-home care & related family safety issues to many websites and groups. He is a regular contributor to www.gonannies.com. You can get in touch with him at kmyers.ceo@gmail.com.

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