Smart Snacking for Kids

Smart Snacking for Kids

I did a presentation earlier this week for a local elementary school on healthy snacking for children. Most children need to snack to grow and be healthy. Smart snacking means choosing snacks that provide more than just calories from sugar or fat. Many children choose and fix their own snacks – especially after school. Parents/caregivers can help by making sure healthy snack foods are in the cupboard or refrigerator.

Some healthy snacks that kids can fix after school include:

Cereal with yogurt and fruit

Pre-cut vegetables or fruit

Popcorn

Cheese and crackers 

Bagel   

Wrap with sliced ham or turkey

Baked potato made in the microwave

Quesadilla made with two flour tortillas and cheese

Below is the recipe for Crunchy Apple Treasures, the snack youth made during the session.

Crunchy Apple Treasures

1 medium apple

1 tablespoon peanut butter

1 tablespoon crisp rice cereal

1 tablespoon raisin

Cut apple into half and remove the core. Combine peanut butter, cereal and raisins. Spread mixture on apple slices.