A healthy snack during recess provides your child with the energy to finish the school day. A hungry child has more difficulty concentrating and learning in the classroom than one who has been refueled between meals. When you pack your child a recess snack, be sure it is portable, will keep without refrigeration and is something he likes to eat. A healthy snack is one that is high in nutrients, but low in fat, calories, salt and sugar.
Popcorn
Air-popped popcorn is an easy and fast snack to prepare and most children enjoy eating it. Choose a version that isn't topped with lots of butter and salt. Popcorn is considered a whole-grain, which means it contains several nutrients that play a role in your child's health. Whole grains contain complex carbohydrates, which are your child's main source of energy, something that is vital for learning and playing at school. Fiber is also present in popcorn, a nutrient that supports healthy digestion and keeps cholesterol readings at a desirable level. Your child gets all this for a very minimal amount of calories.
Trail Mix
Homemade trail mix is generally healthier than store-bought versions because you can control what ingredients go into it. Try dry cereal, dried fruit and some nuts. This snack combines the right balance of protein and healthy fats that will give your child energy and allow her to retain the information presented in the classroom. Keep in mind that some types of dried fruit are high in sugar, so limit the portion size. In the same way, some brands of nuts are salty, so choose those that aren't roasted or salted.
Fruit
Fruit is naturally sweet and is a portable snack that children can eat on the playground. It also adds to your child's vitamin A and vitamin C intake, both of which keep his immune system healthy so that he can concentrate and doesn't miss days of school due to illness. Fruit is also a good source of long-lasting energy due to its carbohydrate content. Many fruits are also high in fiber, which will keep your child's stomach full until his next meal. Good choices include apples, grapes, melon wedges, oranges or bananas.
Cereal Bars
A cereal bar is an easy snack to throw into your child's lunchbox and won't need any preparation. The trick with this snack is to choose one that is low in sugar. Many are marketed for babies and toddlers without high fructose corn syrup and contain less sugar than traditional versions. A cereal bar offers fiber, carbohydrates and some are made with real fruit, which adds to vitamin intake. Many kid-friendly cookbooks contain recipes that allow you prepare your own cereal bars, making it easier to make them low in sugar and fat.
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