Snacks you choose for your child should provide nutrients, energy and satiety. When you provide snacks that contain carbohydrates, choose complex carbohydrates, such as whole grains, because simple carbohydrates spike energy, but then energy drops soon after. Junk food and sugary foods are not good snack choices for your kids as they are low in nutrients and generally contain unhealthy saturated and trans fats. It can be healthier to make snacks for your children at home; some are quick and easy.
Fresh Fruit and Natural Peanut Butter
Fresh fruit provides your children with essential vitamins and minerals, while being naturally sweet. To add healthy monounsaturated fat and flavor, you can spread natural peanut butter on fruit slices. MayoClinic.com recommends topping apples and bananas with peanut butter. Apples contain vitamin A and potassium, while bananas also contain potassium and vitamin A along with folate. Other fruits that you can top with natural peanut butter include peaches, plums and strawberries.
Whole-Wheat Cheese Quesadilla
You can make your child a cheese quesadilla in less than five minutes. Place cheese slices, such as American, Swiss or cheddar, on half a small, whole-wheat tortilla. Fold the tortilla in half and put it in the microwave for approximately one minute or until the cheese has melted. The whole wheat tortilla will supply your child with energy and staying power. Cheese provides calcium and protein as well as potassium, phosphorus and vitamin D.
Trail Mix
Trail mix is quite quick and easy to make, as there is virtually no preparation involved. You can make a healthy version at home for your kids by substituting the bits of chocolate with dried fruit. Make sure that the dried fruit you choose does not have added sugar. Healthy options of dried fruit include dried bananas, peaches and apples. Mix the fruit with nuts that do not have added salt or sugar such as cashews, peanuts, almonds or pecans. Put the mix in a bag for an on-the-go snack or in a bowl if they are eating it at home. The nuts are packed with protein and healthy fats, and are quite filling.
Berries and Yogurt
Berries and yogurt is a quick and easy snack. Use your child's favorite berries and simply mix them into his favorite low-fat or fat-free yogurt. Berries provide your child with essential nutrients and antioxidants, which protect the body from free radical damage such as ultra-violet rays, air pollutants and smoke. Blueberries are rich sources of vitamin A, vitamin K and potassium. Other berry options include raspberries, blackberries, boysenberries and mulberries. If you don't have fresh berries, you can use frozen berries as long as they aren't packed in sugar or syrup. Yogurt supplies your child with dietary enzymes that are good for digestion.
Member Comments