In today’s hectic world, it’s not unusual for kids to get cranky and hungry at the wrong times. It can be difficult for parents to find healthy snacks that their children will enjoy, especially when they’re looking for something on-the-go or after school. In this article, we’ll discuss how important it is for children to have a good snack in order to maintain optimal health and provide some great ideas of what you can do with your child!
Why are snacks important for kids
The first thing to understand about healthy snacks for kids is why they’re important. Snacks are not just there in case of a hunger emergency, but because children need them in order to maintain their energy and activity levels throughout the day. They can also help prevent unhealthy snacking later on, since foods high in sugar or fat may be less appealing if followed by a healthier, more filling snack.
Nutrients also need to be distributed throughout the day in order for children’s bodies to function properly. Snacks can help make sure they’re getting what they need, from protein and healthy fats to iron or calcium. But snacks are not just about physical health! They also play a large role in emotional well-being as well because of their ability to satisfy hunger and reduce stress.
Healthy snacks for kids should include foods that are high in protein, healthy fats and whole grains. It’s best to avoid highly processed snack foods like chips or crackers since they’re usually loaded with sugar or unhealthy oils.
How to make your own healthy snacks for kids at home
There are lots of ways to include snacks in your child’s day. Some good options for healthy kid-friendly snacks are fruit and vegetables, whole grain crackers with peanut butter or cheese spread, low sugar granola bars, pretzels dipped in yogurt or hummus, nut butters with apple slices, and plain yogurt with fresh fruit.
One of the easiest ways to make your own healthy snacks is by means of baking! There are lots of great recipes on Pinterest or in books for kids who enjoy some hands-on cooking time like Easy Kale Chips or Nutella Balls made from oats and bananas.
Parents can also take advantage of the cooking time to teach their children about healthy eating and make sure they’re getting all the nutrients they need. Here are some suggestions for recipes that adults might enjoy making with their kids:
- Simply Baked Salmon Fillets in Foil Packets
- Roasted Vegetable Lasagna Cups
- Fruit Parfaits
- Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
This list is by no means complete, but it should give you some ideas for healthy snacks your child might enjoy. If you’re looking for more recipes that are great to cook with kids, don’t forget to check out our selection of books about cooking with children on Amazon!
So what are some healthy snacks that kids will love?
Fruit and Vegetables: These can be in the form of an apple, orange, carrot sticks or celery. Kids also like grapes or strawberries as a sweet snack. Carrots and cucumbers make great dipping vegetables when sliced into small pieces.
Whole Grain Crackers with Cheese Spread: Make your own by adding a small amount of low fat cheese to whole grain crackers and bake for 15 minutes at 350 degrees. Add some salt, pepper or spices if you prefer.
Pretzels dipped in Yogurt or Hummus: Buy the pretzel rods from the store and have your child dip them in plain yogurt or hummus with some salt sprinkled on top!
Nuts: These are a great source of protein, healthy fats and fiber to help keep kids satisfied. Mix nuts into dishes like oatmeal or cereal for an extra boost.
Greek Yogurt with Fruit: Plain Greek yogurt is a filling and healthy snack with less sugar than flavored yogurts. Add some fresh fruit to the yogurt for an extra flavor burst!
Baked Goods: Kids love helping in the kitchen, so why not bake them something they can enjoy? Make baked goods like banana bread or muffins together that are fun to make – you might be surprised at how easy it is!
Cookies: Cookies are a great way for kids to get involved in the kitchen. You can make them with whole wheat flour, add some spices and nuts or even use healthier substitutes like cocoa powder instead of chocolate chips.
If you’re looking for more healthy snack ideas, we’ve compiled a list of the most popular, best-selling cookbooks about cooking with children on Amazon. These include:
- The Kids’ Cookbook: Recipes for Fun and Savory Snacks
- Cooking with Kids – 50 Family Friendly recipes from Around the World
- Kids in the Kitchen: A fun way to get your kids into a healthier lifestyle
- Cooking with Kids: A Recipe and Activity Book for a Whole Family’s Dessert Adventures
- The Cookie Dough Cookbook: 50 Recipes to Make with Your Kids
These recipes are easy enough that kids can help out, without overwhelming them. Adults will also enjoy making these dishes for their children! Let your child get creative in the kitchen with you – they’ll love cooking alongside their favorite person.
Resources: The Kids’ Cookbook: Recipes for Fun and Savory Snacks by Julia Rothman (Author), Jeni Walker Shaw (Illustrator) – Cooking with Kids – 50 Family Friendly recipes from Around the World by María José Argueta (Author), Karina González Maderas (Illustrator) – Kids in the Kitchen: A fun way to get your kids into a healthier lifestyle by Michelle Adams-Thompson, Joanna Farrow – Cooking with Kids: A Recipe and Activity Book for a Whole Family’s Dessert Adventures by Marion Cunningham – The Cookie Dough Cookbook: 50 Recipes to Make with Your Kids by Allyson Kramer (Author)