Super Summer Snacks for Kids (and You!)
It was literally all of ONE day into summer vacation and my kids started with, “I’m bored.” and “Can I have a snack?” Finding healthy snacks and keeping them entertained at all times during summer days is sometimes difficult. Why not take care of both problems with one activity? Get the kids in the kitchen, and have them help make some fun and healthy (but don’t tell them!) snacks. Kids always like the snacks that THEY make more. Here are some quick ideas that you can eat at home or pack up and take to the pool, the park, or just in the car as you’re out running errands.
Pre-packaged, Portable snacks are always easy. Keep string cheese, GoGurt®, granola bars, cereal bars, and individual fruit cups on hand for quick access.
Cereals that are low in sugar and contain fiber are good choices. Try Cheerios®, Honey Nut Cheerios®, Kix®, or Life® (original or cinnamon). I recommend placing it individual containers or small plastic baggies to contain calories.
Homemade Trail Mix is a quick idea that can include good-for-you foods. Mix equal amounts of Cheerios®, Life® cereal, peanuts or walnuts, dried fruit pieces (banana chips, raisins, cranberries, etc), and sunflower seeds. Again, place individual containers.
Frozen fruit is perfect to take along to the pool or the park on hot days. Freeze berries (Blueberries are a super fruit!), cherries, and grapes, pack in a small cooler, and off you go!
Frozen Bananas and Yogurt – Peel bananas and cut in half (making 2 short bananas). Insert a wooden spoon at the cut end. Cover with low-fat, low-sugar yogurt and roll in granola. Freeze at least 2 hours.
Apple and Peanut Butter – yummy! Slice and core apples (or use an apple slicer). Spread peanut butter on one side. Add raisins, or let the kids decorate with colorful sprinkles. If your kids get tired of peanut butter, try almond butter or hazelnut butter.
Orange Strawberry Popsicles – Combine 8oz low-fat, low-sugar strawberry yogurt, ¾ c orange juice, and 2 tsp vanilla in a blender until smooth. Add 2c frozen strawberries and process until smooth. Pour into six 7oz paper cups. Freeze for 1 hour. Insert a wooden stick into each cup. Freeze completely. Peel cup off each pop and enjoy. You may also use popsicle molds if you wish.
Simple Smoothies – Mix 6 oz fat-free vanilla yogurt, 1½ c fat-free milk, 1 cup fresh or frozen raspberries, and medium sliced banana in a blender for about 30 seconds or until smooth. Add ice before blending if desired for a crunchy mix. Experiment with different fruits and flavors. Many combinations will work.
Keep in mind that with all snacks, even the healthy ones, portion control is very important. Also, remember from my previous post, Feeding your Family in a Healthy Way: The First Step, that adhering to an eating schedule is necessary to maintain a healthy weight and to make you feel good throughout the day. Only allow your children and yourself snacks at appropriate times. Let them help make them, and tell them in advance what you’re going to do. The suspense leading up to it will give them something to look forward to and enjoy. It’ll also create memorable moments with your children that they will remember for years to come.
If you have other fun snack recipes that you’d like to share I’d love to see them. Click on comments below and share. I’ll review them and post a healthy version if needed.
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