Body Fuel
March 23, 2020
10 healthy snacks your family will love
An active family with growing kids always has the munchies. Stuck at home with pantries full of supplies including packaged snacks "just in case" can make eating something healthy challenging. Here is a list of snacks you can dole out in a pinch for your hungry brood that will help replenish energy.
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YOGURT
An excellent snack for people of all ages, yogurt is the perfect source of protein and calcium. In addition, some yogurts contain live bacteria, which are a benefit to digestive systems.
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POPCORN
You read that correctly. While some consider popcorn a junk food, the nutritious whole grain variety make it a snack for the ages. Just steer clear of unhealthy toppings.
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Celery with peanut butter and raisins
The sight of vegetables as a snack can make any child run. But not if it has some nutritious additions. Celery with peanut butter and raisins is the perfect balance of carbs, protein and fat. Allergy concerns? Substitute with Sun Butter.
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Nuts
High in healthy fats, fiber and antioxidants, nuts are the mother of all snack time favorites. Children with allergies can try seeds (a nut-free source of roasted pumpkin or sunflower seeds), beans (specifically roasted soy beans, peas or chickpeas) and pretzels.
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Trail Mix
While some commercial trail mixes can be high in sugar, your homemade version, including things like dried fruit and whole-grain cereal, is an ideal healthy treat.
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frozen fruit popsicles
Store-bought popsicles are full of artificial flavorings and refined sugar or high-fructose corn syrup. So make your own. Purée some frozen fruit or berries and a small amount of fruit juice in a blender, pour into a small plastic cup and freeze.
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oatmeal
The old standby, oatmeal is high in soluble fiber, which increases the number of beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract, along with other health benefits. Make it with milk instead of water and you can add some protein and calcium.
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Raisins
Raisins have nearly all of the nutrients found in fresh grapes and include a good amount of iron, a nutrient that many kids do not get enough of.
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Smoothies
With the ideal blend of nutrients, smoothies offer a little bit of everything.
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Fruit
A piece of fruit is one of the easiest and most nutritious snacks you can provide. Bananas, apples, pears, grapes, peaches and plums are great grab-and-go selections.