Kids love snacks. Tell them it’s dinner time and they might moan and groan. But, ask a kid if he wants a snack and most likely you’ll get a resounding “YES!” Maybe this is because most snack foods are grab and go type items like: chips, cookies, fruit snacks, pretzels, you get the idea. They’re packed with flavor but usually not much nutrition. I think snack time is often a missed opportunity. When your kid is willing to eat, do your best to offer something (at least slightly) nutritious. I promise, that doesn’t mean time consuming! I’m here to teach you how to win at snack time.
Prepare Snacks Ahead of Time
Making snacks ahead of time ensures you always have a healthy option on-hand. If you have a nutritious option ready to go, you’re less likely to reach for the chips or cookies instead.
There are plenty of make-ahead recipes that you can save for the week, or make several batches and freeze for up to 6 months! Here are some awesome options I’ve found:
Low Sugar Banana Oatmeal Muffins
This is one of my own recipes. I’ve cut the added sugar and added lots of fiber making them filling but still delicious.
You don’t have to make every snack yourself. There are some awesome snacks you can buy ready-made.
Bare Apple Chips are a crowd pleaser. Made without any added sugar and with only 60 calories per bag, these are a go-to snack any time.
My kids are loving Lara Bars lately. While they do have some added sugar, they are made from whole ingredients you can pronounce, without high fructose corn syrup or artificial coloring. So in the wide world of kids’ snacks I rank these above most.
String cheese never disappoints. I love having them in the house because they’re a snack I enjoy too! Full of protein and calcium, they are filling and fun.
Offer a Variety
Switching things up at snack time is important. One of the best ways to make sure your kiddo is eating a healthy diet is to offer a variety of foods. It’s so easy to get stuck in the same routine because it’s convenient and you know your kids will eat it. But, they will never learn to like new foods if they are never offered!
Here are some “out of the box” options for healthy, quick snacks.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Shake
Who says a snack has to be chewable? Shakes and smoothies are an awesome option. Everyone loves a chocolate shake, but this one offers up extra protein for your growing kiddo!
Popsicles can offer nutrition too! These fresh watermelon popsicles are super easy! Because watermelon is 92% water these popsicles are great for hydration in the summer months. Watermelon is also high in Vitamins A & C making these a great option to help you win at snack time.
Make it Colorful & Fun
Presentation is everything! Making fun shapes out of food may seem silly or time consuming, but it may just mean the difference between a happy eater and an untouched plate. And I promise, it doesn’t take more than an extra minute or two.
Try some fun sandwich cutters or offer cute utensils. Let the kids get involved in preparing their snacks. (Research shows they’re more likely to eat healthy foods if they’re involved in their preparation!)
Fun shapes aren’t the only option. Add some color to their plate with a few cut up veggies. If you’re offering them their favorite muffin you could add a few baby carrots on the side. Exposure to foods is really important, even if they don’t eat them.
You can also use vegetables as vehicles to deliver yummy foods they’re familiar with like peanut butter, hummus, or yogurt.
Filling raspberries with yogurt is a really tasty treat. You can even freeze them in the summer time!
Ants on a log are always a hit!
I recently resurrected this classic snack go-to and my kids thought it was super fun! It takes about a minute to prepare and it’s a filling and protein-filled option.
Let Them Choose
Offering an either/or choice to your child gives them a sense of control but keeps your job easy. It also ensures they choose a healthy option. If you ask an open ended question, “What do you want for a snack?” you are leaving it up to your child to select healthy foods. While it would be nice if they did, the likely outcome is them selecting something like cookies & milk, fruit snacks or chips.
Asking your child to choose between two healthy options, “Would you like an apple with peanut butter or some carrots and hummus?” means you are happy with either outcome. It also means you can limit the prep-time for the snacks offered.
What other snack time tips can you offer? Write them in the comments below and help other moms win at snack time.