Healthy Snacks for Kids

Kids work hard all day at school, so it's great to come home to a healthy snack. It's also easy to pack healthy snacks into lunch boxes, bring them to sports practice and games and to offer a platter during a home movie screening. Let's not pretend that kids are as enthusiastic about the benefits of eating healthy as you are, but these are obstacles you can overcome. Just remember that variety is the key to getting your kids excited about healthy foods! Here are some ideas that will tempt their tummies and help spur your culinary imagination. Enjoy!

Almonds and Ants

  • fresh almond butter
  • celery stalks
  • plump raisins

Some studies have found that peanut butter isn't the best nut for kids. Almond butter is healthier and the fat is better for you.

Smear some almond butter on the celery stalks and sprinkle liberally with raisins.

 

Green Tea Smoothie

  • two kiwis
  • one ripe banana
  • one cup of chilled green tea
  • two cups ice

Kids will eat anything, no matter how healthy, if it comes in the form of a smoothie. Simply put all the ingredients into a blender and blend away!

Another great alternative to smoothies is herbal iced green tea. Just chill green tea and add some natural sweetener if desired. 

Fruits and Veggie Snacks

  • half cup carrots, chopped to size of almonds
  • quarter cup golden raisins
  • quarter cup almonds (or walnuts)
  • one tablespoon plain or flavored cream cheese (salmon is great!)

This snack is crunchy, refreshing and sweet. It's also brimming with nutritional goodness; protein to build strong muscles; vitamin A; irons; fiber and calcium.

Easy to make; just work the cream cheese through the mixture of carrot, raisins and almonds. Feel free to add more cream cheese or put in a little less.

Black Bean Treat

  • 16 ounce can of black beans
  • one teaspoon of olive oil
  • pinch of fresh parsley or cilantro
  • pinch of cumin
  • juice from half a lemon
  • tortillas
  • cheddar cheese
  • sour cream

This is truly a tasty treat, and the beans provide your kids with lots of fiber!

Put the first give ingredients together in a bowl, and mash until most of the beans have been squashed. Although the last three ingredients are optional, they make the meal more fun! Pile the black bean dip on top of tortillas and sprinkle with chunks of cheese. Put in a toaster oven until the cheese has melted. Top this delectable treat with some sour cream and serve to your hungry kids!