Kids' Nutrition: Making the Most of Snack Time
Kids can't live on chicken fingers and french fries alone (even though they'd like to), but parents don't always have the energy to fight the veggie battle. Wholesome snacks can help fill in the nutritional gaps left over from those not-so-balanced meals, and combat low-energy and midday meltdowns to boot.
If your kid gets the munchies between mealtimes, try one of these options:
"Salty" Tooth:
Pizza bagel bites: Satisfy your kid's pizza craving with these easy-to-make mini pizzas. Sprinkle shredded cheese and tomato sauce on a mini bagel; bake and voilà!
Veggies sticks dipped in low-fat ranch dressing or humus
Snack mixes with whole grains like Teddy Grahams Trail Mix*
Low-fat cheeses: Dairy products are a good way to get extra calcium into those growing bones.
Plain popcorn tossed with a touch of Parmesan cheese
Baked tortilla chips with bean or guacamole dip
Celery sticks spread with cream cheese and topped with dried cranberries
"Sweet" Tooth:
Apple slices spread with peanut butter and topped with raisins
Smoothies: Blend together yogurt, fruit juice and berries to pack some protein into these delicious fruity shakes.
Low-fat vanilla yogurt with fruit or berries mixed in
Frozen watermelon slices: These are a great alternative to sugary popsicles.
Banana split made with yogurt, granola and berries: Just as much fun (and way more nutritious) than the real deal!
Unsweetened applesauce with a sprinkle of cinnamon
Flavored rice cakes topped with peanut butter or soy-nut butter
In addition to being delicious snacks for them to enjoy, these smart choices start them down the road of good kids' nutrition toward a healthy lifestyle.
*contains 3.5 g. fat per serving
Curious about what other kids are eating? Chat with other parents on the food board.
Provided byAlisa Dusan, R.D.
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