It can be a challenge to find healthy alternatives to your everyday snacks that still taste great and appeal to children. However, with so many children lacking important nutrition in their diets, it is important to find easy ways to incorporate fruits, veggies, and quality ingredients into your every day life. The NAC’s registered dietitian, Kelly Jones, shared some healthy snacks that are just as easy as grabbing a bag of chips or cookie, but provide much more nutrition.

DIY Snacks

There are so many different snacks that you can make at home that are simple and easy.

1. Fruit Kabobs

You can’t beat fresh fruit in terms of whole foods. The key to picking healthy snacks it to look for foods that are as minimally processed as possible. The more processed your food is, the more it loses its nutritional value. Putting fresh fruit on a skewer makes it fun for kids to eat and also helps when you’re on the go.

2. Trail Mix

For a quick and easy snack on the go, pre-make your own protein-packed trail mix. Combine various nuts, dried fruit, granola, and dark chocolate and store measured portions in Ziploc bags. Many times store-bought trail mix has unnecessary added sugar and salt, but making your own is even better! The kids will love having a hint of chocolate in

3. Homemade Applesauce

Making your own applesauce is really simple and easy. This is great for packing in lunches and for an after-school snack. Store-bought applesauce contains added sugars and preservatives that you can avoid by making it at home. Check out a recipe here that contains no added sugar.

Pre-packaged Snacks

If you’re looking for something more grab-and-go that requires no preparation from you, these brands of pre-packaged foods are a great option that kids will love.

4. Late July chips

This company offers organic, non-GMO tortilla chips. Their “Dude Ranch” or “Mild Green Mojo” flavors are very similar to Cool Ranch Doritos, but without all the extra chemicals and processing. This brand is becoming very popular and is available in local supermarkets.

5. Peanut Butter & Co 

Peanut butter is a great snack because its protein works to keep kids full and active. Instead of choosing brand with extra oils and preservatives, try choosing one of the yummy flavors created by Peanut Butter & Co. With flavors like Dark Chocolate Dreams, Pumpkin Spice, Cinnamon Raisin Swirl, and more, kids won’t even realize it’s healthy. The best thing about this brand is all of their products are kosher, gluten-free and vegan.

6. Dry Roasted Edamame

Seapoint Farms carries pre-packaged 100-calorie packs of dry roasted edamame. This is a crunchy snack that is packed with a healthy balance of protein and carbs. The snack packs are great to grab on the go or send to school in your child’s lunch.

There are so many easy options for parents to choose from when it comes to healthy snacks for their children. In addition to eating a wholesome diet, encouraging kids to be active is just as important for overall wellness. For more ideas for healthy snacks and brands that you can incorporate into your family’s diet, visit Kelly’s blog at http://eatreallivewell.com/

 

Need a way to incorporate fun fitness into your child’s day? Youth Programs classes at the NAC are a great way to get kids active!