If you’re a parent, you know that snacks are a necessity. It seems like every time you turn around, there’s a child claiming they’re hungry or helping themselves to the pantry.
Sometimes it’s hard to keep variety in your snack selection at home, especially if you’re trying to offer snacks that are at least somewhat healthy. Luckily a fun, nutritious snack doesn’t have to be complicated or time consuming to make! Keep reading for seven snack ideas that you and your kids will enjoy making (and eating) together.
Snacking Is Healthy For Kids And Parents
We’ve all been there, wondering if it’s normal for our kids to ask for a snack every five minutes. The answer is yes, it’s absolutely normal! Kids have smaller stomachs than adults, so they process their meals more quickly. That leaves them feeling hungry more often.
Snacking between meals helps to keep kids’ energy levels steady throughout the day. This is important to support their ability to concentrate and regulate their mood.
Although snacking is healthy, random unplanned snacking can lead to problems. For example, allowing unlimited snacks could discourage your kids from eating at actual mealtimes.
According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, younger kids should eat two snacks per day. Older kids typically need one snack, but could need more if they’re going through a growth spurt. Time snacks at least an hour before or after a meal.
Parents love snacking too! Eating something light between meals can sustain energy levels and prevent overeating at meal time. However, if you feel like you need to snack constantly, you might not be eating enough at meal time!
Healthy Snack Ideas
Here are some healthy snack ideas that kids and adults both love. Choose a few to try, and recruit your kids to help in the kitchen! Not only will they sharpen their cooking skills, but they’ll be more likely to try new foods.
1. Veggie Chips
This is an amazing snack for any parents struggling to persuade their kids to eat more veggies. You can make “chips” with veggies like sweet potato, beets, kale, zucchini, parsnips, and carrots. Your kids will love all of the fun colors!
Just thinly slice your veggie of choice, toss in a little oil and season with salt and pepper. Then, roast your chips until they’re nice and crispy. When they’re done, feel free to add a little parmesan or nutritional yeast for even more flavor.
2. Pinwheels
No cooking required for this healthy snack. Set up an assembly line with large whole wheat tortillas, deli meat, cheese, and veggies like spinach, tomato, and matchstick carrots. Place your ingredients on the tortilla, roll, and slice into pinwheels. These will keep in the fridge for a couple of days. At snack time, your kids can grab one or two and dip in their favorite mustard, ranch, or hummus.
3. Energy Bites
This snack is easy all around. Easy to make, easy to take on the go, and super easy to grab and eat. It’s great for kids with a sweet tooth, and packs some extra protein. Here’s the recipe:
- 4 medjool dates
- 1 scoop chocolate protein powder
- 4 tablespoons crunchy peanut butter
- 2 teaspoons chia seeds, ground
Combine all the ingredients in a food processor until thoroughly mixed. Roll the batter into 10 balls and place them in the refrigerator. Chill for at least 20 minutes.
4. Yogurt Parfait
Kids love experimenting with flavors and having the control to build their own snacks. A yogurt parfait station is the perfect way to let them do both! Start with a low-sugar or sugar-free yogurt, and offer a variety of toppings like sliced fruit, nuts (as long as there are no allergies), seeds, granola, coconut, and maybe something fun like sprinkles!
5. Veggie Pizza
This is another healthy snack idea that kids can build themselves. Think of this snack like a homemade Lunchable!
Parents can either bake some mini pizza crusts or use whole wheat English muffins or small flatbreads. Next, choose a sauce like classic pizza sauce, ranch made with Greek yogurt and ranch seasoning, or pesto. Finally, offer a variety of veggie toppings like tomato, bell pepper and broccoli. Enjoy this snack hot or cold. Tip: chopping the veggies super small makes them more desirable and easy for kids to eat.
6. Hummus
Your kids will love adding all of the ingredients to the blender and watching everything mush together! A delicious hummus recipe like this one is great to keep in the fridge all week for parents and kids to eat with veggies.
Snack time is a great opportunity to add a serving of fruits or veggies to your child’s diet. All of these ideas ensure that your kids are getting some nutrition at snack time, with the added bonus of a fun kitchen activity!
