Healthy On The Go Snacks

My kids are always asking, “Can I have a snack?” I’ve even heard some parents say that their kids prefer a snack to a meal. This may be because packaged snacks tend to be high in sugar, but they don’t have to be unhealthy.  Don’t get me wrong, a bite or two of a sweet treat is perfectly fine; however, it’s important that we’re offering our children more nutritious options the majority of the time to promote a healthy lifestyle. 

Easy On-the-Go Snacks

Cheese – with loads of calcium and B vitamins, cheese is an all-around tasty food. It can be eaten straight from the package or melted on vegetables. With so many types of cheese on the market your kids are sure to love more than one!

Yogurt – rich in calcium, yogurt builds healthy bones. But, watch out for the fruit-flavors that have added sugars. It is better to buy plain yogurt and chop up fresh fruit to go with it. Or, try adding granola to yogurt for a flavorful crunch. 

Berries are great snacks. They are full of vitamin C and great for bone development, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, or currants can be eaten raw or blended and frozen in popsicle form. They will help heal injuries to the body caused by any playground accidents and promote brain health – what could be better than that?

Eggs –  a complete protein with vitamin D to promote healthy hair and nails, eggs can be snuck into just about any dish at the end of cooking. Try boiling several eggs to keep on hand in the refrigerator as a healthy snack option.

Bananas – easy to eat and a naturally gluten free treat! Just about anywhere you travel you can pick up a bunch for an on-the-go snack. They are perfect in Paleo banana bread and mixed up in a smoothie. They contain a load of nutrients: vitamins B6, C, and A, as well as iron, manganese, potassium, and biotin. The carbohydrates in bananas are easy to digest and will give children instant energy – better than an energy bar any day!

Apples, grapes, oranges, and pears all make for great snacks as well. The plus side is that they don’t require refrigeration and your kids will love them.

Veggies – chock full of vitamins and minerals to promote brain and body development, cut up veggies are a great snack. You can dip veggies in yogurt, dressing, or peanut butter to make it a tasty, fun treat. 

Cottage Cheese – creamy and soft enough for infants to eat, cottage cheese is rich in protein and vitamins like B12 and calcium. You can mix it up with fresh fruit for some sweetness and added flavor. 

It may take a little more planning on your part, but creating healthy snacks-on-the-go like we mentioned will ensure your child is getting the nutrients he needs for brain and body development. And, you’ll be more comfortable saying, “Yes,” the next time they ask, “Can I have a snack?” What are some of your healthy on-the-go snacks? Will you share your child’s favorite snacks with us? Please connect with us on Instagram @MapsCookingKids or on Twitter @MapsCookingKids. Until next time, Agape, be kind, and happy parenting