What’s the time of the day? Are your children back from school? Did they just get back from their 3-6pm extra classes in the evening? Or maybe they just returned after playing in the park! The first thing they want is to re-fuel. So, they ask for pre-packaged snack foods mostly which are high in added sugars and have unhealthy ingredients. What do you do now?
As a parent, it can be challenging to come up with healthy and tasty snack ideas for kids. Our kids often have strong preferences for certain foods and may be resistant to trying new things, which can make it difficult to introduce healthy options. However, with a little creativity and planning, it is possible to find healthy and tasty snacks that kids will enjoy.
Here are a few tips for solving the daily problem of finding healthy snacks for kids:
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Meal Prep:
Planning and preparing snacks in advance can make it easier to have healthy options on hand when your child is hungry. Consider making a batch of healthy snacks like energy bites, granola, hummus, and veggies, on the weekend and storing them in the refrigerator or pantry for easy access during the week. Use airtight containers to store prepared snacks. This will help keep them fresh and make them easier to access when your child is hungry. Don’t worry, if you can’t think of any ideas, you can always buy in bulk. Check out this blog on Different Ways to Enjoy Granola to get some inspiration.
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Make snacks portable:
Kids are often on the go, so it's helpful to have snacks that are easy to take with them. Choose portable options like granola bars, yogurt fruit cups, or trail mix that can be packed in a reusable container or bag. It can also be helpful to keep snack options simple and easy-to-eat, Whole fruits, individual granola packs, and makhana are all simple snack options that are easy for kids to eat on the go.
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Involve your child:
Involving your child in the snack-planning and preparation process can be a great way to encourage them to eat healthy snacks and make snack time a fun and engaging activity. You can also take your child with you on your grocery runs and let them choose from various healthy snack options. This can be a great opportunity to educate them about nutrition and help them make informed choices about what they eat and the importance of supporting local brands. By being there with them, you can also help them understand the importance of reading labels and selecting snacks that are made with whole, unprocessed ingredients and have minimal added sugars. Check out these Granola’s made with fresh fruit and natural sugar.
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Make it fun:
Make snack time fun by serving snacks in fun shapes or with fun dips or toppings. You can also make snack time a social activity by inviting your child's friends over to help prepare and enjoy healthy snacks together. Mix things up by offering a variety of different types of snacks. For e.g., if your kid loves granola, here are few options they will enjoy, Orange Hazelnut & Dark Chocolate Granola or Double Chocolate Granola and Mango Cranberry Granola. This can help prevent boredom and ensure that your child is getting a range of nutrients.
The Bottom Line
In conclusion, finding healthy snacks for kids can be challenging, but it is important to prioritize nutrient-dense options that are low in added sugars and saturated fats. Incorporating a variety of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lower-sodium options is a great way to ensure that kids are getting the nutrients they need. Involving kids in the snack selection and preparation process can also help increase their interest and willingness to try new healthy options. By being a good role model and keeping healthy snacks easily accessible and visible, parents can set their kids on the path to making healthy choices for a lifetime.