Healthy Snacks for Kids

Kids love snacks, even healthy ones. Snacks are a great way to slow down the pace of playtime and help keep your kids fueled up. Most research indicates that snack time is nearly as important for young children as nap time. Parents don't always know what to keep in the refrigerator or what to give their kids because their parents didn't have the benefit of new research on what we should feed our kids.

Making snacks healthy

Snacks don't have to be complicated. They should also be healthy. An apple, a handful of baby carrots, or crackers and cheese are quick, easy, and tasty.

Making snacks fun

Some kids don't like whole apples. Try applesauce with a drop of food coloring (your child can pick the color). Carrots are more fun with a low fat dip. Try cutting cheese into fun shapes. You don't have to buy expensive snack packs to make snacks appealing and fun.

Snack Activities

You can kill two birds with one stone by asking your child to help you make and serve snacks. This helps keep her busy and learning about healthy food. Have her help you make fruit kabobs or snack pizzas.

Kids Learning about food

Young kids learn by doing. Sit down and talk to your child about snacks. What makes snacks healthy? Why eat healthy foods. Work together to cut out pictures from magazines of healthy snacks and use the pictures to plan snack time for the next week. She'll learn as well as feel part of the planning process. Snack time is not often a struggle for most kids, but some kids just don't want to take the time to sit down and have a snack. Snacks should be quick and easy. They can be served just about anywhere (but avoid the car), including outside on a blanket or at the dinner table. Providing nutritious snacks can help your child stay focused as well as keep them from getting too hungry and overeating at mealtime.