Healthy and Nourishing Snacks for Kids

Healthy and Nourishing Snacks for Kids

If you have a kid in your home, chances are they are hungry most of the time. Meals are not enough to keep them full and satisfied and they need to snack in between meals. Snacking in between meals is not a bad thing, in fact, getting enough calories and nutrients are an important part of a child’s growth. Unfortunately, many of the snacks that you can pick up and grab from a box are unhealthy, full of added sugar, preservatives, and artificial ingredients.

Snack time can be healthy if you find snacks that support growth and development. They can be used to get your child extra nutrients that they may not get during normal meal times. Below is a list of healthy, high protein snacks for kids that they will love:

1. Yogurt

Yogurt is a great snack option, not only because it is easy to grab out of the refrigerator and eat immediately. It’s also nearly all protein and calcium, which kids need to grow and get strong bones. Many of the tasty yogurts on the market contain live bacteria, which helps strengthen a child’s digestive system. It is important to keep in mind that yogurts made for kids are actually packed full of sugar, so instead get a full-fat yogurt and add fresh fruit or honey for taste.

2. Popcorn

This is a great snack option because most kids go crazy and get excited over popcorn. It is so much more than a delicious movie treat, it’s a nutritious whole grain as well. The unhealthy part of popcorn comes when we douse it in butter and salt. Instead, try drizzling a small amount of butter and top it with just a dab of parmesan cheese. Delicious and nutritious.

3. Celery and peanut butter

If you struggle to get your kids to eat vegetables, as many parents do, then this is a creative way to help make sure they are getting vegetables in their diet. Cut some celery up and spread a thin layer of peanut butter on top and your child will be getting a snack full of carbs, proteins, and healthy fats.

4. Salted or unsalted nuts

A handful of plain nuts is a snack that is full of healthy fats, antioxidants, and fiber to keep their digestion moving normally. Whether you give them nuts with salt or without, roasted or unroasted, the nutrition will be there and your kids will love the taste.

5. Oatmeal

We usually think of oatmeal as only being a breakfast option, but it also makes for a healthy and appetizing snack. Oatmeal is high in fiber, meaning it gives your digestive tract the healthy bacteria it needs as well as a handful of other health benefits to help your child grow. Instead of getting the instant oatmeal packets that usually have a lot of sugar, try regular whole oats and use natural flavors such as cinnamon, honey, or maple syrup. You can also make the oatmeal with milk instead of water to add an extra dose of protein and calcium into the snack.