Snacking Smarter

Snacking Smarter

By: Maddie Packard

Snacks play a big role in what kids eat every day.  There seems to be a snack for every time of the day and any activity.  Snacks aren’t a bad thing, it is normal to get hungry between meals, especially when you are physically active.  What you choose for your kids to snack on does matter though.

Instead of: Doritos, Fritos, Potato chips, etc.

Try: Veggie Straws, Kale chips, sunflower or pumpkin seeds, nuts, popcorn

 Recipe here: Apple Pie Popcorn

Instead of: Fruit Rollups, Fruit by the Foot, Gushers, etc.

Try: Fresh or dried fruit, a homemade fruit roll up (fruit sushi)

 Recipe here: Fruit Sushi

Instead of: Candy bars, snack cakes, etc.

Try: Granola bars (not covered in chocolate) with nuts, seeds, dried fruit, etc.

 Recipe here: Homemade Granola Bars

Other fun and healthy snack options:

• Ants on a log
  • Log made out of celery, carrot, apple, banana, etc.
  • Use peanut butter, or any other kind of nut butter
  • Ants can be dried fruit like raisins, craisins, cherries, blueberries, goji berries, fresh blueberries, granola, nuts, or seeds like pomegranate, sunflower or pumpkin.
• Zucchini or sweet potato muffins
  • Recipes Here: Zucchini Muffins Sweet Potato Muffins

Whether it is trying out some new recipes or simply making wise choices at the store, snacking can be fun, tasty and healthy.