Whether they're running, jumping, chasing, playing, dancing or
just following you around asking questions, one thing is for certain -
kids are always on the move! And all of that energy leads to large
appetites.
But when it comes to getting kids to eat healthy snacks to renew that energy, many parents find themselves stuck in gridlock. So how can parents compete with endless junk food options and get their kids to eat healthier snacks? You can start out by offering these top ten healthy snacks that will get your kids excited about eating right...
Ants on a Log
This fun and healthy snack for kids is a classic that's been pleasing youthful palates for generations. All you need is some celery stalks, peanut butter, and raisins. Simply slice celery stalks down the middle and spread each side with peanut butter. Next, place raisins on top of peanut butter, spacing them out to look like ants marching on a log.
Homemade Snack Mix
Snack mixes are great on-the-go snacks for kids. They can also be an excellent healthy snack, depending on what's in them. Making your own snack mix is an inexpensive and easy alternative to buying store-bought mixes. Use ingredients like nuts, dried fruit chips, seeds, granola, and carob for a healthy and delicious snack kids will love.
Green Bean Chips
A healthier alternative to potato chips, green bean chips make eating green beans fun again! Kids will love the crunchy, salty flavor. They can usually be found at your local health food store. Many regular grocery stores are also starting to carry them too so be sure to check out using this healthier snack to replace regular potato chips.
Hummus and Pita Slices
Made from fiber and protein packed chickpeas, hummus is a delicious and versatile spread. It comes in a variety of flavors and is available at most grocery stores. It's also simple to make from scratch at home. Serve with toasted pita slices for a yummy snack kids can get excited about.
Sunflower Seeds
Sunflower seeds are another fun and healthy snack for kids. They're a great source of vitamin E and a good source of vitamins B1 and B6 too. Shelled or unshelled, roasted, salted or not, your kids are sure to enjoy this classic healthy snack. For a fun family activity, grow some sunflowers in the yard or in pots and have your kids help you harvest them.
Cinnamon Toast
This snack combines cinnamon, bread, margarine, and a touch of sugar - all things kids love! Simply toast your favorite healthy bread choice, spread lightly with margarine and sprinkle with a touch of sugar and cinnamon. Your kids will be requesting more of this favorite low-fat snack.
Popcorn Made Healthy
Popcorn isn't as unhealthy as everyone thinks it is. It's actually all of the stuff we put on it that makes it so bad for us. Kids love popcorn, but all that butter and salt equals a bad snack choice. Make popcorn healthy again by popping it plain and topping it with nutritional yeast, which tastes great and is full of amino acids and B complex vitamins.
Yogurt and Pretzels
Calcium is essential for healthy bones and teeth and yogurt is rich in calcium, not to mention cultures that aid in digestive tract health. Yogurt comes in all kinds of fun flavors that mimic the taste of your kid's favorite desserts. You can also buy plain yogurt in bulk and top it with fresh fruits. Add some pretzel sticks for a great healthy snack.
Avocado
Fat is actually a good part of any diet, as long as it's the right kind of fat. Avocados are full of healthy unsaturated fats. They're also a great source of potassium, fiber, and vitamin C. Mash up with tomato and a splash of lime for homemade guacamole, use instead of mayo on a sandwich, or place on toasted bread for a quick, nutritious snack.
Smoothies
A smoothie is a lot like a milkshake-only much healthier! Your kids will love the fruity ice-cream like taste and you can sneak in all kinds of healthy additions. Use fresh fruit like strawberries and bananas, soy or rice-milk and limit the sugar. You can also use smoothies as a way to introduce new fruits for your kids to enjoy like mangoes and kiwi.
These top ten healthy snacks for kids are sure to get your kids more excited about eating right.
But when it comes to getting kids to eat healthy snacks to renew that energy, many parents find themselves stuck in gridlock. So how can parents compete with endless junk food options and get their kids to eat healthier snacks? You can start out by offering these top ten healthy snacks that will get your kids excited about eating right...
Ants on a Log
This fun and healthy snack for kids is a classic that's been pleasing youthful palates for generations. All you need is some celery stalks, peanut butter, and raisins. Simply slice celery stalks down the middle and spread each side with peanut butter. Next, place raisins on top of peanut butter, spacing them out to look like ants marching on a log.
Homemade Snack Mix
Snack mixes are great on-the-go snacks for kids. They can also be an excellent healthy snack, depending on what's in them. Making your own snack mix is an inexpensive and easy alternative to buying store-bought mixes. Use ingredients like nuts, dried fruit chips, seeds, granola, and carob for a healthy and delicious snack kids will love.
Green Bean Chips
A healthier alternative to potato chips, green bean chips make eating green beans fun again! Kids will love the crunchy, salty flavor. They can usually be found at your local health food store. Many regular grocery stores are also starting to carry them too so be sure to check out using this healthier snack to replace regular potato chips.
Hummus and Pita Slices
Made from fiber and protein packed chickpeas, hummus is a delicious and versatile spread. It comes in a variety of flavors and is available at most grocery stores. It's also simple to make from scratch at home. Serve with toasted pita slices for a yummy snack kids can get excited about.
Sunflower Seeds
Sunflower seeds are another fun and healthy snack for kids. They're a great source of vitamin E and a good source of vitamins B1 and B6 too. Shelled or unshelled, roasted, salted or not, your kids are sure to enjoy this classic healthy snack. For a fun family activity, grow some sunflowers in the yard or in pots and have your kids help you harvest them.
Cinnamon Toast
This snack combines cinnamon, bread, margarine, and a touch of sugar - all things kids love! Simply toast your favorite healthy bread choice, spread lightly with margarine and sprinkle with a touch of sugar and cinnamon. Your kids will be requesting more of this favorite low-fat snack.
Popcorn Made Healthy
Popcorn isn't as unhealthy as everyone thinks it is. It's actually all of the stuff we put on it that makes it so bad for us. Kids love popcorn, but all that butter and salt equals a bad snack choice. Make popcorn healthy again by popping it plain and topping it with nutritional yeast, which tastes great and is full of amino acids and B complex vitamins.
Yogurt and Pretzels
Calcium is essential for healthy bones and teeth and yogurt is rich in calcium, not to mention cultures that aid in digestive tract health. Yogurt comes in all kinds of fun flavors that mimic the taste of your kid's favorite desserts. You can also buy plain yogurt in bulk and top it with fresh fruits. Add some pretzel sticks for a great healthy snack.
Avocado
Fat is actually a good part of any diet, as long as it's the right kind of fat. Avocados are full of healthy unsaturated fats. They're also a great source of potassium, fiber, and vitamin C. Mash up with tomato and a splash of lime for homemade guacamole, use instead of mayo on a sandwich, or place on toasted bread for a quick, nutritious snack.
Smoothies
A smoothie is a lot like a milkshake-only much healthier! Your kids will love the fruity ice-cream like taste and you can sneak in all kinds of healthy additions. Use fresh fruit like strawberries and bananas, soy or rice-milk and limit the sugar. You can also use smoothies as a way to introduce new fruits for your kids to enjoy like mangoes and kiwi.
These top ten healthy snacks for kids are sure to get your kids more excited about eating right.
