Healthy Snacks for Kids — A Few Quick Tips

Try these healthy snack ideas.

• “Ants on a log” (celery with peanut butter and raisins)
• Fresh or canned fruit (canned in 100% juice, not syrup) with fat-free or low-fat yogurt
• Whole-grain crackers with low-fat cheese
• Vegetable “matchsticks” (thin sticks made from fresh carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers)
• Whole-wheat bread, rice cakes, or apple slices with peanut butter
• Quesadillas (low-fat cheese melted in a whole-wheat tortilla)
• Unsalted pretzels or air-popped popcorn
• Baked (not fried) tortilla chips and salsa
• Whole-wheat pita bread with hummus (dip made with chick peas)

Keep fresh fruit in a place that’s easy to reach in the refrigerator or on the table. This will make it easier for kids to grab a healthy snack.

Snack healthy on the go.

• Take unsalted nuts and unsweetened dried fruits, fresh vegetables, or fresh fruit in small reusable containers or baggies.
• Pack low-fat string cheese sticks.

Set the rules.

• Teach your kids to ask before they help themselves to snacks.
• Eat snacks at the table or in the kitchen, not in front of the TV.
• Serve snacks like pretzels or popcorn in a bowl. Don’t let kids snack directly out of the bag or box.
• Drink water, milk (fat-free or low-fat), or 100% fruit juice instead of soda or fruit-flavored drinks.

For more information on nutrition and kids, visit:
http://www.choosemyplate.gov/ten-tips-kid-friendly-veggies-and-fruits
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/heart/obesity/wecan/eat-right/choosing-foods.htm

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I’m working with Hyland’s Homeopathic as part of their HealthMaker program. I’ll be sharing healthy living ideas, and there will be some fun opportunities you’ll want to stay tuned for. You can subscribe to my blog to make sure you don’t miss out!