Many children are natural grazers, opting to eat small amounts more frequently. Healthy snacks are an essential part of their diets. Many snack options marketed for children contain large amounts of fat, sodium or sugar and offer little in the way of vitamins, minerals or nutrients. Create your own simple, healthy and delicious snacks to keep the little people in your life healthy, happy and full.
Yogurt and Cheese
Many kids need some protein to tide them over between meals or after school. Cheese and yogurt are convenient, kid-friendly protein sources. Combine with fruit, fresh vegetables, pretzels or crackers. For a fun twist on a basic snack, spear cheese cubes with pretzel sticks or freeze yogurt into icepops, recommends Parents.com. You or the kids can also blend yogurt with frozen fruit and milk or juice to make a delicious and nutritious smoothie for a snack. Cheese and yogurt pack well, making them ideal for busy afternoons.
Cereal
While it may not be the most exciting snack, a bowl of cereal with low-fat or skim milk is a healthy option, particularly if the kids need to fix their own snacks. Choose a vitamin-fortified cereal with more than 3 grams of fiber and less than 8 grams of sugar. As an alternative, make homemade cereal bars or clusters with dried fruit and a few chocolate chips or nuts. Look for recipes low in sugar and fat or those that rely on healthy ingredients to bind them together, like peanut butter.
Tortillas and Pita Bread
Tortillas and pita bread are the ideal basis for a variety of healthy and kid-friendly snacks, particularly if you opt for whole wheat versions. Serve pita bread with hummus and fresh vegetables or use it as the basis for a quick pizza topped with low-fat cheese and vegetables, suggests FamilyEducation.com. Tortillas can be used for a variety of roll-ups, like fruit and peanut butter or combined with cheese and salsa for a quick quesadilla.
Baked Goods
Low-fat and whole grain baked goods, like muffins or quick breads, can be a healthy snack option. Take advantage of muffins and breads to add pumpkin, carrot or zucchini to your kids' diets, recommends Parents.com. Include nuts, peanut butter or additional nonfat dry milk to add protein to baked treats. Serve muffins with reduced-fat cream cheese or sugar-free all-fruit jam to add flavor.
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