Growing bodies need to eat, and any parent knows that no matter how much you feed your kids, they’ll always be hungry again and ask for snacks. Most kids should get nutritional value from their primary meals, but even the most open-minded eater will want at least one snack daily. And when you are trying to keep up with feeding growing bodies, it’s easy to overlook the nutritional value of what you may be feeding them. But while some snacks may be convenient and easy, are they really the best option for a young one? 
Some general ideas behind healthy eating include using snack time to incorporate healthier options like fruits and veggies, having more healthy foods readily available, and avoiding processed foods as much as possible.
That said, finding ideas for healthy snacks can be challenging, especially with picky eaters, trying to balance taste and nutrition, or when you may be in a crunch, which is why we have the following list of healthy snacks for kids.
Fresh Fruits And Veggies
When it comes time to snack, consider fresh fruits and veggies as your first offering. Sliced pears or apples with or without peanut butter can make snack time delicious and fun. Just be careful to read the peanut butter packet’s ingredients to ensure it’s not loaded with sugars. Instead, consider all-natural and organic peanut butter to ensure no sugar and cornstarch are added. Or make a fruit cocktail of strawberries, bananas, grapes (quartered), blueberries, and any other type of fruit that you can mix that your kid will eat. You can make a quick whipped cream to dollop on top to make your fruit cocktail fun and add calcium to this snack idea. Celery sticks are another healthy snack option, and you can make them fun by adding peanut butter and sprinkling some raisins on top. This treat is a kid’s favorite: ants on a log. Carrot and cucumber slices with a side of hummus or yogurt are another great way to incorporate healthy eating options at snack time.
Yogurt Parfaits
Greek yogurt packs a punch of protein and calcium, which are essential for growing (and grown-up) bodies. Layer plain yogurt with granola and fresh berries can make a delicious, filling, and nutritious snack treat.
Smoothies
Introducing smoothies to your kids is a fantastic way to get a massive amount of nutritional value during snack time. Blend together a variety of fruits and veggies with a splash of juice, milk, or yogurt to make a healthy alternative to a milkshake. You can add supplements like protein powder or other ingredients to supercharge your kid’s snack with many vitamins and minerals. A fun, easy twist is to blend some fruit, pour it into an ice tray, and place a popsicle stick in the middle, and voila, you have healthy popsicles to snack on during a hot day!
Homemade Energy Balls
Take a variety of oats, honey, and nut butter and roll them into bite-sized balls packed with energy. Include your kids in the process of making them entertain and educate them. For even more flavor, incorporate dried fruits and roll the balls through crushed nuts for a tasty, crunchy snack.
Cheese And Crackers
As a source of protein and calcium, a snack that includes cheese is a great option. And it is pairing some cheese on whole-wheat crackers, baked tortilla chips, or even popcorn to provide a satisfying, delicious option. Mix up a variety of cheese slices like cheddar, mozzarella, and even cream cheese to make an easy, quick, filling snack.
Whole Grain Snacks And Dip
Another option is to provide whole wheat snacks with a side of hummus or baked tortilla chips with a chunky avocado to provide a robust, nutritious snack loaded with flavor. Adding avocado is a great way to add healthy fats to your kid’s diet, and avocado is recognized as a superfood. This nutrient-dense food provides abundant essentials that are beneficial for health and well-being.
Homemade Popcorn
Instead of buying store-bought or pre-packaged popcorn that could be loaded with fats and other unhealthy ingredients, consider making your own popcorn at home. You can entertain your kids by making popcorn at home and letting them sprinkle some olive oil, grated cheese, butter, or even cinnamon over it for a loaded flavor.
Baked Veggie Chips
Instead of buying a bag of chips with fats and artificial flavoring, consider making your own baked veggie chip options. Take carrots, sweet potatoes, and even kale as alternatives. Just thinly slice them, lightly toss in olive oil, and bake until crispy. You can flavor the chips in various seasoning options, making this a sneaky way to add extra veggies to your kid’s snacks.
Fruit Kebabs
Threading fruit on skewers is a colorful, fun activity for kids, and even better, it’s a delicious, healthy snack alternative. This refreshing treat is a great way to get your kids to make healthy choices with their snack options.
Hard-Boiled Eggs
Hard-boiled eggs are a great source of protein. Boil them for 6 minutes and plunge into an ice bath for an easy, quick, nutritious snack. These delicious snacks are loaded with protein without being stacked with unnecessary calories.
A Little Sweet Tooth
Finally, a little candy can be ok occasionally, but only in moderation. Consider dehydrated fruits and organic candy made with natural sugars like honey, and avoid unnecessary processed sugars, dyes, and colors that will provide a sweet-tooth option for kids.
On top of finding healthy snack alternatives for your child, one crucial component of healthy eating is for them to understand portion size and to eat to be satiated, not to accept overeating to the point of being “stuffed.” Part of your strategy to teach your kids about healthy eating is to demonstrate it yourself while involving them in the decision-making and preparation of meals. By helping educate your kids about the value of healthy eating and snacking and incorporating them in meal planning and preparation, you’re setting a foundation of healthy living for their lives.
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