25 Healthy Snacks For Kids

Healthy Snacks for Kids

Snacking should be EASY, right?  Well, today I had an excited group of elementary students learning about MyPlate and I shared this recipe with them.  It’s something they could easily make at home for either a snack or even breakfast as they are running out the door to catch the bus.  The snack was gobbled and fingers were licked of peanut butter and they all wanted to make another.

Banana Dog

A snack is a mini-meal, so I recommend two to three of the food groups from MyPlate (compared to the full five food groups goal at mealtime).  This snack definitely meets that and has only three ingredients. Easy to make, even my daughter was game to video herself making the snack – however, she wouldn’t talk so I did the commentary.  One of my official recipe testers (and makers):

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oosqy-mxhj4]

For a variation, try it with apples and granola over the peanut butter too!

Here are E.A.S.Y. ways to make healthy snacking a priority on-the-go without refrigeration needed (but refrigeration opens up a whole other realm of possibilities)!

Essential Protein

Add Whole Grains

Simple Snacks

Your Favorite Portable Fruit

Essential protein helps satisfy your appetite.  Shelf-stable protein is the easiest, so be sure to include a variety of nuts and nut butters.  Trail mix, mixed nuts, flavored nuts and individual-size peanut butters are great to pair with another food group like fruit.  Just keep a ¼-cup measure inside the bag of nuts to pour them out and then toss the nuts with a small box of raisins.

Adding whole grains gives you energy, but the key is having WHOLE grains.  You can identify sources of whole grains by looking at the ingredient listing; the first ingredient should be whole grain.  A box of whole grain crackers or cereal goes great with a serving of milk.  You can find shelf–stable, individual milk servings that you can store in your drawer.  Just pop the milk in the office refrigerator that morning to have as part of an afternoon snack.

Simple snacks have simple ingredients.  A few of my favorites include Larabars or Kind Bars – made primarily of fruit and nuts without added sugars.  Or try popcorn – a whole grain snack that gives you fiber to help you stay full.

Your favorite portable fruit cannot be forgotten!  Think ABCs – apples, bananas, citrus.  Some of my favorites include clementines that are easy to peel and sweet to eat, as well as kiwis that just require cutting in half and scooping out the middle.  And don’t forget the portion cups of fruit in 100% juice for a sweet snack option.  Have an apple wedger on hand to cut up that apple to dip in peanut butter.

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A few more snack ideas your kids may love from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics ~

Banana Dog

Serves 2.

  • 1 whole grain tortilla
  • 2 tablespoons peanut butter
  • 1 banana
  1. Spread peanut butter over tortilla to edges.  Peel banana and lay in middle of tortilla. Roll, cut and serve!

What is your favorite healthy snack for your kids?

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