Snacks are an important supplement to a child's daily diet. Kids need snacks to regulate their blood sugars and provide energy in school, while playing with friends and engaging in sports. The Mayo Clinic says "Snacking can help your child curb hunger throughout the day, as well as provide energy and important nutrients. But the quality of the snacks is key." The USDA recommends children limit foods and beverages that have sugar as the main ingredient, and snack on fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Keep processed snack foods, like chips and cookies, for special occasions and set an example for your child by eating healthy as a family.
Fruits
The USDA recommends a child consume 1 1/2 servings of fruit a day. Fruit is a great snack for kids. Bananas and apples pack well and need no refrigeration. Dried fruits, like raisins and apricots, are kid-friendly, but have lots of sugar so give them as a once-in-a-while treat. For a fun after-school snack, surprise your child with fruit kebobs. Put apple, melon and pineapple chunks on a kebob skewer. Roll the skewer in coconut and serve with a cup of yogurt as a dipping sauce.
Vegetables
The USDA food pyramid recommends 2-2 1/2 cups of vegetables for a child to eat daily. For a portable snack, cut up carrot and celery sticks, and pack with a portable cup of ranch dressing for dipping. Pop some corn at home and serve as a snack. Kids love popcorn and you can control the amount of oil and salt your kids get with the homemade variety.
Grains
When choosing a grain product, select whole or multi-grains. Natural food stores have multi-grain crackers that are great for snacking. Pair these whole grain crackers with some cheese chunks and apple slices for a delicious snack that's fulfils more than one daily food requirement.
Dairy
Yogurt cups are a favorite among kids but pack a lot of sugar. To cut down on the sugar, mix a teaspoon of honey or no-sugar-added fruit preserves to a cup of plain yogurt. While convenient, string cheese contains sodium and preservatives. Purchase low-sodium cheese at the market, cut into slices and, using small cookie cutters, cut the cheese into fun shapes for your child's snack.
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