It is completely natural for growing kids to get hungry often, that too between meals. But what to prepare that is quick and also healthy?
We come across many parents who often find themselves confused in regards to the kind of snacks they can prepare for their little ones. While most make an extremely unhealthy snack that includes refined flour, added sugars, and/or artificial ingredients, we’re here with some great news!
Bid bye to those boring snacks and find yourself this opportunity to add extra nutrients into the little one’s diet. How? Read on!
Healthy Snacks For Your Kids – Your Cheat-Sheet To Nutrients!
Keep those highly processed snacks aside and help your toddler fill their stomach with rather healthy whole foods for better energy and nutrition. Listed below is a list of the best child-friendly snacks that are delicious and healthy – Healthy Snacks – Your kids getaway to health!
1) Yogurt
This is an excellent snack for little ones and a great source of protein and calcium that is great for developing bones. These also contain live bacteria that benefit the digestive system.
2) Popcorn
If you consider popcorn as junk, think again! These are nutritious whole grains that are best when air-popped, drizzle with butter and sprinkled with grated Parmesan cheese.
3) Celery With Raisins And Peanut Butter
Also sometimes called “ants on a log” these are a fun way to make the little one eat a vegetable. Make sure to purchase peanut butter without added sugar or vegetable oil.
4) Nuts
These are high in healthy fats, fiber, and antioxidants and are best to support growth in children.
5) Trail mix
The best mix of literally everything – provided your kid is not allergic to nuts. These contain chocolate candies, mixed nuts, dried fruit, and whole-grain cereal.
6) Sliced Pears And Ricotta Cheese
Pears are sweet and easy for the little one when sliced. These are also high in fiber and are best when served with ricotta cheese for added protein and calcium.
7) Cottage Cheese
This is a fresh and creamy cheese that is soft enough for infants to consume. It is rich in protein, selenium, calcium, and vitamin B12 which is best for growth and brain development.
8) Oatmeal
This is a healthy breakfast option for kids and also makes a great snack. It is high in soluble fiber which is a beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract.
9) Cheese Piece
This is mostly made up of fat and protein that make a great source of calcium and is linked to better overall diet quality.
10) Veggie Pita Pocket
The best way to feed the little one vegetables is by simply spreading hummus to the whole pita wheat pocket and slicing some raw veggies (like carrots, lettuce, cucumbers, and bell peppers) – a loaded healthy snack.
11) Fruit Smoothie
This is a good way of packing a lot of nutrients in a small snack. Grind in a smoothie with some sweet fruit and you’re good to go!
12) Hard-Boiled Eggs
It is ok to store hard-boiled eggs in the refrigerator as a high-protein treat. These provide high-quality protein, vitamins, and minerals, including vitamin B12, selenium, and riboflavin
13) Banana Oat Cookies
These are healthy snacks that acquire sweetness from mashed bananas other than refined sugar.
14) Raisin Snack Packs
These are basically dried grapes that have nearly all the nutrients that are present in fresh grapes but in a smaller package.
15) Turkey And Avocado Roll-Up
This is an easy-to-eat healthy snack that is also a good source of protein. This is best for building and repairing tissues in the toddler’s body.
16) Baked Sweet Potato Fries
These are beta-carotene’s richest sources a nutrient that is converted to vitamin A for your body and contributes to healthy skin and eyes.
17) Pickles
These are cucumbers that are fermented in salt and water. A good source of vitamin K and also contains probiotic bacteria which is great for the digestive system.
18) Kale Chips
These are considered to be a superfood that is packed with nutrients and low calories. The best source of vitamin A, C, and K.
19) Carrot Sticks With Hummus
Loved by all kids, this makes a great dip paired with carrot sticks. It’s a thick, creamy spread made using chickpeas that is a great source of fiber, folate, and antioxidants.
20) Energy Balls
These taste similar to cookie dough but are made using nutritious whole ingredients. This includes either whole chia seeds or ground flax which are both great sources of fiber, antioxidants, and protein.
21) Bell Peppers With Guacamole
These are naturally sweet and highly nutritious that make a good source of fiber, vitamin C, and carotenoids. These are best for the eye’s health and taste great with guacamole – a creamy spread made using mashed avocados.
22) Whole-Grain Crackers With Peanut Butter
Make your own sandwich crackers by simply spreading peanut butter or any other kind of nut butter. It offers a good balance of protein, fat, and carbs.
23) A Piece Of Fruit
These make the most convenient and healthy snacks for kids offering fiber and nutrients such as potassium and vitamins A and C. Have a banana, apple, pear, grape, peach, and plum – all are great grab-and-go snacks.
24) Peanut Butter With Banana Quesadilla
Quesadilla made from peanut butter and banana makes a healthy snack and is a smart way to feed the little one fats and protein.
25) Olives
Olives make a rich and healthy fat that is also super packed with powerful antioxidants and protects the body from damaging molecules also known as free radicals.
26) Apples And Peanut Butter Dip
Apple slices with peanut butter make a delicious combination. The skin of an apple contains pectin which is a soluble fiber and is friendly for gut bacteria and also improves digestive health.
27) Frozen Fruit Popsicles
These are yummy treats that are super healthy too. You can also make your own by using purée frozen berries or fruits with fruit juice in a blender, pouring them into popsicle molds, covered with foil with an inserted popsicle stick each, and freezing overnight.
28) Half A Sandwich
Yes! This is a snack. You don’t always have to have a full sandwich, a half sandwich also makes a healthy snack for kids. All you need is a healthy sandwich made from whole-wheat bread, a source of protein, and a fruit or veggie included.
To Conclude:
We hope the blog above helped you with great healthy snack options for you to feed the little one. Right from quick mixes to simple additions, you can have your child shift from their boring unhealthy snacks to healthier options.
Hope this helps!
FAQs:
1. How to make your own frozen fruit popsicle?
You can also make your own by using purée frozen fruit or berries with fruit juice in a blender, pouring them into popsicle molds, covered with foil with an inserted popsicle stick each, and freezing overnight.
2. Is it ok to store a boiled egg in the fridge?
Yes, it is ok to store hard-boiled eggs in the refrigerator as a high-protein treat. These provide high-quality protein, vitamins, and minerals, including vitamin B12, selenium, and riboflavin
3. Isn’t popcorn junk?
If you consider popcorn as junk, think again! These are nutritious whole grains that are best when air-popped, drizzled with butter, and sprinkled with grated Parmesan cheese.