Since kids snack frequently throughout the day, it's vital that we give them nutritious options. Here are some easy to fix, but super-healthy snack options that require almost no cooking and little prep work. In addition, these snacks are fun, and appealing to kids.
Fruit and Yogurt Parfait
Make a fruit and yogurt parfait. Layer low fat yogurt, berries, and low sugar organic granola cereal in a clear, plastic cup. Top with a few colored sprinkles, if desired. This is an awesome after school snack that will draw your child's attention.
Why This Snack Is Healthy:
This pretty parfait provides one serving of low fat dairy, one serving high fiber, antioxidant-rich fruit, and one serving of low fat, organic whole grain.
Ants on a Hill
natural peanut butter
apple sections
raisins
Let your child spread peanut butter over apple sections that you have cut up. This is the hill. Your child can now place the raisin "ants" on the peanut butter hill.
Why This Snack Is Healthy:
This snack not only provides a serving of fruit, it has a good balance of carbohydrates and proteins that keep blood sugar levels stable.
Melon Ball Caterpillars
honeydew melon balls
raisins
two pieces of firm, shredded carrot
Position the melon balls to form a slightly curved line on a small plate. Place the raisins on the front melon ball to form two eyes, and use two pieces of shredded carrot to make two antennae. Kids can actually assemble this fruity treat themselves.
Why This Snack Is Healthy:
A whole serving of fruit is provided, with no added sugar, which makes for a healthy treat.
Bell Pepper Butterflies
one string cheese
one orange or yellow bell pepper
fat free cream cheese
2 raisins
Remove the top of bell pepper, and clean out the seeds. Half the pepper lengthwise. You will have two large sections of pepper. Cut each section in half horizontally. Place string cheese on a plate. Use a small amount of cream cheese to adhere the pepper slices to the cheese. Put pepper slices on each side of the string cheese to resemble butterfly wings. Add raisin eyes.
Why This Snack Is Healthy:
The string cheese is a low fat dairy source, and this mixes great with a whole serving of veggies. Moms and kids alike can't resist that combo.
Toast People
one slice whole grain bread
gingerbread man cookie cutter
natural sunflower butter
mini dark chocolate chips
cinnamon
Toast a slice of whole grain bread. Have your child cut out a person from the gingerbread man cookie cutter. She can now spread the "man" with natural sunflower butter. Sprinkle with cinnamon. Place two mini chips to form eyes. Use a cherry sliver to make a little red mouth. Use 3 more mini chips as buttons.
Why This Snack Is Healthy:
A serving of whole grains and protein-rich sunflower butter make for a protein and carbohydrate balanced snack. Dark chocolate contains antioxidants and has been shown to be healthy in small amounts.