Healthy Snacks For Your Kiddos
Healthy snacks provide fuel to keep you going between meals, quelling hunger and avoiding cravings for sugary treats. Snacks high in protein and fat, such as those containing nuts or nut butter, are particularly good for managing blood sugar levels.
The key to making these snacks nutritious is to choose whole foods that aren’t heavily processed. While it’s OK to indulge in occasional treats, most of your child’s snacks should be whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and low-fat or fat-free dairy, such as yoghurt and cheese.
These snacks are also rich in nutrients, including fibre, potassium, vitamin D, and calcium, often lacking in the typical diet. So whether your kids are headed out the door to play, heading off to school, or just waiting for the chicken dinner to finish cooking, make an intelligent snack selection from the list below to give your kiddos the energy and nutrition they need.
Apple Peanut Butter Delight
Combining nutrient-rich apples with filling peanut butter makes this a satisfying snack. If your child has a nut allergy, substitute the peanut butter with a seed butter, such as sunflower or pumpkin.
Cheese + Crackers
Make this classic snack a little healthier by using a whole grain cracker, such as sesame or wheat and opting for reduced-fat varieties of your child’s favourite cheese, like Tillamook, Babybel or Belgioso. Toss some sliced avocado on top to add extra flavour, fibre and healthy fats.
Homemade Granola Bars
Make these easy-to-prepare granola bars at home for a convenient and nutritious snack. You can even vary the ingredients to match your kiddos’ favourites, such as a mix of chopped peanuts and raisins with coconut and chocolate chips for an irresistible treat.
Fruits + Veggies
Snack on a colourful combo of strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and blackberries with a side of hummus to provide your child with a dose of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. This snack is low in calories and can be stored in an insulated lunch bag with an ice pack for on-the-go eating.
On-the-Go Veggies
Boost your child’s veggie intake by making these portable, super-easy homemade squeezable fruit and vegetable purees. Toss a cup of frozen pineapple tidbits, a handful of fresh or frozen strawberries and a couple of cups of your child’s favourite milk into the blender for a smoothie that’s both low in sugar and loaded with micronutrients.
Diabetes-Friendly Snacks
These snacks are designed for those with diabetes; they all contain complex carbohydrates that help control blood sugar levels. Make them yourself so you know exactly what’s in them.
Try out the pre-made versions available at most supermarkets, such as shredded turkey breast with low-fat mozzarella and cucumbers in a wrap or carrot cake popsicles (made with lower-sugar ice cream). You can also make your frozen yoghurt with fruit and chia seeds for a healthy dessert that tastes store-bought.