Quick Tips: Healthy Snacking
There’s no doubt that sometimes little tummies need some fuel every few hours. That’s where a healthy snack comes in. Snacks are great for providing the energy kids need to learn and play all day long. Snacks are meant to be little meals and are not meant to be super filling. They are a great way to ensure kids get all the different nutrients (think protein, fat, fibre, vitamins and minerals) they need to grow. Choosing a healthy snack is key to getting all these good things. What does that mean? Snacks are at their best when they include at least two different food groups. Food groups to aim for include whole grains, fruit or vegetables, something high in protein, such as eggs, beans, nuts or seeds or milk and dairy like yogurt or cheese. Here are some yummy and super simple snack ideas that include two food groups.
Hummus and veggies
Yogurt and fruit
Whole grain cereal and milk
Whole grain toast with nut or seed butter
Fruit and yogurt smoothies
Homemade wholegrain muffin with a fruit or a slice of cheese
Whole grain tortilla with nut or seed butter and banana
Fruit salad and a slice of cheese
Whole grain toast with avocado
Boiled egg and grapes
What are your favourite snack combinations? Make a list of your kids favourite snack ideas for days when everyone is chilling at home and those that are great for school snacks too. Keep the pantry stocked with these items so that preparing snacks is a simple task, even the kids can do it. Get the kids in the kitchen preparing muffins, cookies and hummus to use for snacks throughout the week.
Check out the recipes section for yummy recipes to try out for your kiddos next snack. Whip up my Chocolate Coconut Oat Cookies or Crunchy Granola to dress up a bowl of yogurt or Pretty in Pink Hummus with veggies for dipping. All great choices. Also, here are a few other favourite snack ideas you can find on some of my favourite food blogs.
https://cookieandkate.com/chia-seed-pudding-recipe/
https://www.wellplated.com/energy-balls/
https://ohsheglows.com/2018/08/21/easy-chocolate-hemp-protein-balls/