Kids are a challenge to feed.
Their likes and dislikes change daily. Getting them to sit still at mealtime is like trying to give a cat a bath. They are more concerned with staying busy than eating a proper meal, thus leaving them hungry in between mealtime.
Unfortunately, many packaged snacks for kids aren’t healthy. They are often full of sugar and processed ingredients that have very little nutritional value.
What are some healthy snacks for kids that are easy to prepare and won’t give your child a sugar high?
Apple and Almond Butter
Apples are full of fiber and antioxidants that fight off free radicals. They’re tasty snacks on their own but become even more of a treat with a dab of almond butter.
For a healthy sweet treat, cut up an apple and place it next to a healthy tablespoon or two of Jem’s Naked Sprouted Almond Butter.
Almond butter is full of vitamins and minerals like vitamin E, magnesium, and potassium. It also contains healthy fats that are good for your heart.
For children with peanut allergies, almond butter makes a great alternative to peanut butter without sacrificing the taste.
Apple and almond butter make a high fiber and heart-healthy snack that will keep your kids satisfied in between meals.
Cheese and Crackers
Cheese and crackers are a timeless snack favored by children and adults alike.
But highly processed cheeses and crackers made from bleached flour are not the healthiest snacks for your children. These products contain added sugars and preservatives that are not natural or all that tasty.
However, quality cheeses, like Beecher’s Handmade Cheese Sticks, can be good for you.
Cheese is a great source of protein, fat, and calcium. It also contains important vitamins and minerals like vitamin A and zinc.
Paired with organic whole grain crackers, cheese makes an excellent tasty snack that kids will have no problem chowing down.
Yogurt
Yogurt is made by the bacterial fermentation of milk. The bacterium in yogurt is known as the “good” kind of bacteria, also known as probiotics, and helps regulate your gut.
Yogurt is high in protein and calcium like most other dairy products. But many packaged yogurt products are high in sugar, food coloring, and other added ingredients that are not beneficial for health.
Plain organic full-fat yogurt, like Nancy’s Organic Whole Milk Yogurt, is a better choice as a snack for kids. Add a little bit of organic honey and berries for a sweet, nutritious snack that your kids will look forward to.
Popcorn
It might be strange to think of popcorn as healthy food, but popcorn is a surprisingly nutritious snack for in-between meals.
Popcorn is a whole grain that’s high in fiber. It’s also relatively low in calories when eaten on its own. It’s only when you drown popcorn with butter, salt, and sugar that popcorn becomes unhealthy.
Look for organic popcorn products that contain none to very few added ingredients. You can always dress up your children’s popcorn snack with a dash of sea salt or parmesan for a tastier, healthier snack.
Hummus and Pita
Hummus is a smooth, tasty veggie spread full of plant-based protein and rich in essential vitamins and minerals like calcium, folate, zinc, and B-vitamins.
Most hummus spreads are chickpea-based, which are full of healthy fiber and fat. Hummus is a sneaky way to get your kids to eat healthy, especially when paired with whole-grain pita bread.
Shop for organic hummus spreads, like those from King Harvest Natural Foods. Lightly toast a whole grain pita and fill the pocket with hummus for a warm, satisfying snack.
If you want to sneak in even more healthy ingredients, chop up a few veggies, like carrots or bell peppers, and stick them in the pita. They’ll add extra crunch without your kids even knowing they’re there.
Frozen Fruit Popsicle
Popsicles are a yummy icy treat that’s perfect for cooling down in the warmer months.
But most popsicles you buy in stores are nothing but high fructose syrup and artificial fruit flavors. Basically, they’re frozen sugar water. Yuck.
However, frozen fruit popsicles made from real fruit and natural ingredients make excellent, healthy cold treats.
Most fruits are full of fiber, essential vitamins, and antioxidants that fight cancer-causing free radicals.
You can easily make your own tasty fruit popsicles at home with just a few ingredients. All you need is a popsicle mold, popsicle sticks, and your favorite fruits.
Blend your favorite fruits in a blender or food processor with water or your choice of fruit juice. Fruit is naturally sweet on its own, but you can add honey to the mix if you want your popsicles to be sweeter.
Pour the fruit mixture into your popsicle molds, put the popsicle sticks in place, and place them in the freezer until the popsicles are sufficiently frozen.
Voila, you’re very own homemade popsicle treats!
Trail Mix
Trail mix is both a sweet and salty snack that both kids and adults agree on.
Trail mix is usually made from simple ingredients like seeds, nuts, toasted oats, and chocolate chips for sweetness.
Nuts and seeds are full of vitamins, minerals, and heart-healthy fats, while oats add filling fiber.
Trail mix makes a quick and easy snack for when you’re on the go as it is easily transported. Plus, your kids will have no problem chowing down on a snack that contains chocolate chips.
If you opt for store-bought trail mix, stick to brands like Grizzlies that make organic trail mix from just a few natural ingredients.
The Takeaway
Kids are picky, but there is something for everyone.
The challenge is finding something your children will eat that doesn’t come from the junk food aisle. But there are plenty of healthy snack foods that your kids will enjoy.
The trick is to win them over with taste and not let them know they’re eating healthy.