Being well prepared with snacks during the day will help lighten your workload throughout the busy work week.Try out a few of these kid-approved snack ideas that are guaranteed to keep you happy!

▪   Any fresh fruits or veggies - Not only are they easy to throw in a bag with little to no preparation, but they’re also full of nutrients and can be extremely hydrating as well! Offering young kids fruits and veggies, rather than sugary snacks, will establish a taste for these foods and encourage healthy eating habits early on. We suggest watermelon, grapes, berries, apple slices, peach slices, orange slices, carrots, celery, cherry tomatoes 

▪   Cheese cubes or cheese sticks – Cheese is a good, easy source of protein that many kids and adults love!  In addition, calcium is an important nutrient for developing children.

▪   Popcorn – Popcorn is a good source of fiber and a nice, light snack to take on-the-go.  I recommend popping plain popcorn and then adding in your own seasonings (cinnamon, parmesan cheese, lightly salted).

▪   Dried or dehydrated fruit – These are easy to keep stored in the car for “emergencies.” 

▪   Trail mix – Customize this to your liking! You can add your favorite nuts, raisins, cheerios, corn flakes, etc.  For a boost of antioxidants, toss them in cinnamon!

▪   Frozen yogurt-covered grapes– This is a fun, cool snack while allowing you to sneak in a little protein and dairy!

▪   Peanut butter and smashed raspberry bites – Raspberries are nice and tart on their own, so this is simply a low sugar spin on a classic PB & J sandwich.  Cut the sandwich into squares to make it a bite-sized snack to offer your kids between dips in the pool! Tip: Make this with peanut butter and banana, too!

▪   Anything dipped in a nut butter– for a good protein source and to bulk up any snack, pair it with a nut butter (or sunflower seed butter for kids with nut allergies).

o   Celery, pretzels, crackers, pita

▪   Fruit purees – Applesauce is great, but it’s fun to switch it up sometimes with different fruit purees.  If I’m being completely honest, I even enjoy a fruit puree from time to time.  If you want to take it a step further, try blending together your own fruit puree!

▪   Nutrient-packed muffins – Baking homemade muffins means you’re able to make them as nutritious as you’d like!  One batch of muffins can serve as an easy snack or breakfast to-go for the week that your kid will love!

▪   Cold pasta salad – Make a batch of pasta and add in veggies and/or protein like peas, green beans, carrots, tomatoes, cheese cubes or diced chicken.  Toss it in a dressing your kid will like (sometimes olive oil, salt and pepper is all you need!) and chill in the fridge.  This can easily be batched and packed for camp lunches throughout the week.

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Team Active content is not medical advice; it's inspiration to live actively! This article is copy-write protected and an example of the resources Active Wellness provides to clients. It may be shared by including a link to the article in your communications by linking to this webpage and including attribution in your communication: “provided by Active Wellness.”

Written by: Isabel Debnam, a Registered Dietitian supporting the nutritional needs at Synergy Health Club Petaluma and Napa.