Just because you're busy and the kids are hungry, doesn't mean snack time can't be healthy.
Snack-time is a very important part of the school day for children, and it changes slights from the yummy snacks we like to indulge in over the summer! One of the many daily highlights of an elementary schooler is opening their bags to see what tasty treat mom or dad sent that day. Snack-time is also extremely essential in brain development. If our little girls and guys are hungry, they are less likely to pay attention in class, resulting in a less than productive and focused kiddo. As parents, we want our children making the most of their time in the classroom! Do your kids’ teachers a favor and pack them healthful snacks that promote well-behaved students, prepared to take on the lessons of the day! Say goodbye to prepackaged chips, fried in grease, and say hello to protein-rich snacks like cheese and peanut butter. Packing your child healthy school snacks can be fun and rewarding, and will leave the little ones completely satisfied. We have gathered some delicious and healthy school snacks to help you jump-start the school year.
String Cheese
These perfectly packaged cheese snacks are a great source of quick protein and are not as processed as some claim. Kids love cheese, and these cheese snacks are incredibly easy to pack for an mid-morning or afternoon snack.
Dried Fruit
Dried berries, apples, apricots and more is a very natural way to curb a kiddie sweet tooth. While providing only natural sugars, dried fruit also offers a great source of fiber to keep your little ones full throughout the day.
Celery with Peanut Butter and Toppings
Celery is a much more kid-friendly veggie, compared to say, broccoli, and because of the crunch and texture, kids find it enjoyable to eat! By adding nut butter, they’re consuming more protein, and toppings can provide a sweet touch! Raisins, shredded coconut and chocolate chips seem to be adored by all.
Popcorn
Also a considerable option for curbing a taste for salt and crunch, popcorn is a natural, and very low calorie snack option. Add sea salt and pepper for added flavor.
Microwave Snack Mix
One of our long-time kiddie favorites, this mix can be altered based on your desired taste! Simply start with a rice cereal base (which is always gluten-free in case your little one has allergies) and add the elements of your choice! This one provides a sweet and salty flavor.
Whole Grain Crackers with Cheese
A favorite among many, crackers with cheese provides crunch, in the form of whole grain crackers will help with feeling full, while the protein in the cheese helps to keep that feeling of fullness.
Baked Vegetable Chips
This truly is the best alternative to salty, fried potato chips that we all love. Simply wash your desired vegetables and slice, by using a mandolin or handheld slicer. Coat the veggies slices in olive oil, salt, and pepper and bake at 375° and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until crisp.
Apple Cookies
A delicious and healthy alternative to our typical cookies, apple cookies eliminate the flour and tone down the added sugars by using a fresh apple round as the cookie “base”. Protein rich nut butter, of your choice, is then added and toppings complete this health cookie option! Rachel, from Rachel Schultz on Homemaking created one of our favorite Apple Cookie recipes.
Rainbow Carrots with Creamy Ranch Dressing
Rainbow carrots instantly intrigue the eyes of our young ones. A carrot is supposed to be orange! It always has been. But when a hungry 6 year-old sets her eyes on a purple carrot, healthy mom points will instantly be obtained! Add a creamy, homemade ranch for dipping.
No Bake Energy Bites
Blogger Ali, from Gimme Some Oven, created a divine recipe that combines oats with other healthful foods into a no-bake bite-sized ball of protein, for a quick snack during the day. The sweetness from the chocolate chips and honey will keep your little one begging for more!
