It can be tough to keep your kids fed with healthy snacks when they come home from school. There are so many unhealthy options available, and it’s hard to resist giving in to their demands. But healthy snacks for kids don’t have to be boring or difficult to prepare.
In this article, we will provide you with 25 ideas for delicious and healthy after-school snacks that your kids will love!
What Are The Benefits Of Healthy Snacks For Kids?
When kids get home from school, they will often raid the pantry for any snacks they can find. If you have unhealthy snacks available, they will likely choose these over healthier options. However, there are many benefits to healthy snacks for children.
Nutritious snacks can help:
Improve Their Mood And Energy Levels
One of the main benefits of nutritious snacks for kids is that they can help improve their mood and energy levels. After a long day at school, kids can be tired and cranky. Unhealthy snacks will only make these symptoms worse.
However, healthy snacks can give them the nutrients they need to stay alert and focus on their homework. Make snack time fun by serving delicious and nutritious snacks every day!
Promote Healthier Eating Habits
Another benefit of healthy snacks for kids is that they can promote healthier eating habits overall. If you provide healthy snacks, kids are more likely to develop a taste for healthy foods and carry these habits into adulthood. Make sure to prepare kid-friendly snacks that your kids will enjoy so that you can enhance your child’s diet successfully.
Help With Weight Control
If your child is overweight or obese, unhealthy snacking can contribute to this problem. On the other hand, healthy snacks can help kids with weight control by teaching portion control and providing nutrient-rich foods. Choose snacks that are high in fiber and protein to help your child feel full and satisfied after eating.
Always remember that a healthy snack will do wonders for your child’s diet. There are plenty of food choices out there, such as fruits, whole grain bread, whole-grain crackers, whole grain bread, whole-grain cereal, hard-boiled eggs, apple slices, rice cakes, cheese sticks, low-fat milk, frozen berries, and other interesting snacks that even picky eaters will love! Therefore, choose healthy snack ideas for snack time instead of junk food or fast food.
Enhance Their Concentration And Focus
Healthy snacks can also help enhance kids’ concentration and focus. A study done in 2016 found that kids who ate a healthy snack before taking a test scored better than those who didn’t have a snack.
So, if your child is struggling to concentrate in school, try giving them a healthy snack before they start their homework. You can go for fresh fruit or dehydrated fruit, or even packaged snacks that you purchase from stores. Healthy foods and healthy living are important for kids.
Boost Their Immune System
Lastly, healthy snacks can help boost kids’ immune systems. A strong immune system is important in fighting off illnesses and diseases. So, if you want your child to be healthy, give them a healthy snack!
Raw veggies and fruit can become your child’s favorite snack if you make these healthy options appealing enough for them. With a little effort, you can make the perfect snack that kids will love.
Healthy Snacks For Kids: 25 Ideas You Must Try
As parents, our goal is to make our kids eat vegetables and fruits to help them stay healthy. However, kids are notorious for being picky eaters. If you’re looking for some nutritious snack ideas for kids, here are 25 snack ideas that are both healthy and delicious:
1. Celery Sticks With Peanut Butter
One of the best healthy snacks for kids is celery sticks with peanut butter. Peanut butter is a good source of protein, while celery is high in fiber. This snack will give your child sustained energy throughout the afternoon.
2. Carrot Sticks With Hummus
Another great healthy snack idea for kids is carrot sticks with hummus. Carrots are rich in vitamins and minerals, while hummus is a good source of protein and healthy fats. This combination will help keep your child’s blood sugar levels stable throughout the day. You can also use baby carrots to make this snack more fun for kids.
3. Fruit And Yogurt Parfait
A fruit and yogurt parfait is a great way to get your child to eat healthy snacks. Yogurt is a good source of calcium and probiotics, while fruits are a great source of vitamins and antioxidants.
This snack will help keep your child’s bones strong and their immune system healthy. You can also add granola to the parfait for an extra crunch. Mini chocolate chips are also a welcome addition along with frozen fruit or fresh or dried fruit.
4. Apple Slices With Cheese
If you’re looking for a healthy snack that’s also easy to prepare, look no further than apple slices with cheese. Apples are packed with nutrients, while cheese provides protein and calcium. This simple snack will fill your child up without weighing them down.
You can also mix things up by using different types of cheese or apples. Peanut butter is another option that goes well with apples. If you’re feeling really adventurous, try dipping the apple slices in yogurt before adding the cheese. This snack is sure to be a hit with kids of all ages.
You can use cream cheese or cottage cheese. Cream cheese is a little higher in fat, but it’s also higher in protein. Cottage cheese is lower in fat and calories, but it’s also a good source of calcium.
5. Banana With Yogurt
Another healthy snack for kids is banana with yogurt. Banana is a good source of potassium and fiber, while yogurt provides protein and calcium. This snack is easy to make and can be easily packed for after school.
You can also add other fruits to the yogurt, such as berries or peaches. If you’re looking for a sweeter treat, you may even add a little bit of honey to the yogurt.
6. Oatmeal With Fruit
Oatmeal is a healthy and filling snack for kids. It’s a good source of fiber and can be easily made ahead of time. You can add any type of fruit to the oatmeal, such as bananas, berries, or apples.
If you’re looking for a crunchy snack, you can add nuts or seeds to the oatmeal. This is a great snack idea that your kids will love.
7. Vegetables And Dip
This is a great option for kids who are looking for something savory. Cut up some carrots, celery, cucumbers, or peppers and serve them with a healthy dip like hummus or guacamole. You can also add some whole grain crackers to this snack.
8. Fruit And Yogurt Smoothie
A great way to get your kids to eat fruit and yogurt at the same time is by making them fruit and yogurt smoothies. Simply blend together any type of fruit, yogurt, and milk. Add a little bit of honey to sweeten it up if needed. Your kids will love this delicious beverage every time you serve it.
9. Fruit Kabobs
Fruit kabobs are a fun way to eat fruit. Simply thread any type of fruit onto skewers and enjoy. This is a great snack for kids to make on their own. Plus, this is a colorful snack that your kids will surely love!
10. Cucumber Slices With Cream Cheese
You can’t go wrong with cucumber slices and cream cheese. This simple snack is healthy and delicious. It’s perfect for kids who are looking for something to munch on after school.
11. Homemade Granola Bars
Granola bars are a great option for after-school snacks. However, many store-bought granola bars are loaded with sugar. To make things healthier, you can opt to make your own granola bars at home. This way, you can control the amount of added sugar that goes into them.
12. Roasted Chickpeas
If you’re looking for a savory snack, roasted chickpeas are a great option. They’re healthy, filling, and packed with protein. You can easily make them at home by roasting chickpeas in the oven. You can also include this in healthy breakfast meals for kids.
13. Fruit Popsicles
These fruit popsicles are healthy, refreshing, and perfect for after-school snacks. They’re made with real fruit and yogurt, so they’re a good source of calcium and protein.
14. Homemade trail mix
This homemade trail mix is a great way to use up any leftover nuts and seeds you have. It’s also a healthy, filling snack that’s perfect for on-the-go kids. You can use any combination of nuts and seeds, so feel free to mix it up.
15. Kiwi Slices With Yogurt Dip
Kiwi slices with yogurt dip is a healthy, fun snack for kids. The kiwi provides a good source of vitamin C, and the yogurt is a good source of protein. You can cut the kiwi into smaller pieces to make them easier for kids to eat. Most kids love the taste of kiwi, so this is a great snack to have on hand.
16. Mango Chunks With Yogurt Dip
Mango is a delicious and healthy fruit that’s perfect for kids. It’s a good source of vitamins A and C, and it’s also a good source of fiber. Meanwhile, the yogurt dip provides a good source of protein.
17. Orange Segments With Almond Butter Dip
You can also prepare orange segments as a healthy snack for kids. Cut the oranges into little bites to make them easier to eat. The orange segments are a good source of vitamin C, and the almond butter is a good source of protein.
18. Peach Slices With Dip
You can also prepare peach slices as a healthy snack for kids. The peach slices are a good source of vitamins A and C, and the dip provides a good source of protein.
To make the dip, you can use Greek yogurt, parmesan cheese, or cream cheese.
19. Watermelon Cubes With Yogurt Dip
Watermelon is a refreshing and healthy fruit that’s perfect for a summer snack. You can cut the watermelon into smaller bites and make sure to remove the seeds. The watermelon cubes are a good source of vitamins A and C, and the yogurt dip provides a good source of protein.
20. Pear Halves With Granola Topping
You can also serve pear halves with a granola topping. The granola provides a good source of fiber, and the pear halves are a good source of vitamins C and E. This is a healthy and easy snack that kids will love.
21. Raisins Mixed Into Oatmeal Or Trail Mix
Raisins are a great source of fiber, and they’re also a good source of iron. You can add raisins to oatmeal or trail mix for a healthy snack.
22. String Cheese With Whole-Wheat Crackers
This is a classic snack that’s perfect for kids. The string cheese provides a good source of calcium, and the whole-wheat crackers are a good source of fiber.
23. Applesauce With Graham Crackers
You can also make a healthy snack by pairing applesauce with graham crackers. Applesauce is a good source of vitamins C and E, and graham crackers are a good source of fiber.
These are all healthy alternatives to the usual unhealthy snacks that kids typically eat. Try some of these healthy snacks for kids and see how they like them!
Is It Hard To Prepare Healthy Snacks For Kids?
No, it’s not hard to prepare healthy snacks for kids. Just make sure to have a variety of healthy snacks on hand, and let them choose what they want to eat. This way, you can guarantee they get the nutrients they need.
How Do I Get My Kids To Eat Healthy Snacks?
You can get your kids to eat healthy snacks by making them yourself. This way, you know exactly what’s in them, and you can control the portion size. You can also try giving them a choice of two or three healthy snacks so they feel like they’re in control.
Finally, don’t forget to lead by example! If you’re eating unhealthy snacks, your kids will likely do the same. So make sure you’re eating healthy snacks, too! Your kids will surely follow your lead.
To make snacks more interesting, you can watch tutorials on how to make healthy snacks for kids more fun. Most of the time, all you need are some simple ingredients to make a healthy and delicious snack. All it really takes is your creativity and some imagination!
Conclusion
So, how do I make my kids eat healthy snacks? Making healthy snacks for kids can be fun and exciting. Get your kids involved in the process, and let them be as creative as they can be! And, of course, always lead by example!
Eventually, your kids will get used to eating healthy snacks, and they’ll even start to enjoy it! Before you know it, your child will have already developed healthy snacking habits that will last a lifetime.
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