Two of the questions to ask yourself (that I’m sure you already do) when snack shopping or when plotting snack ideas for your kids during the schoolyear are:
- Are they healthy, or is this a healthy option?
- Will this keep them energized during the day?
These two simple questions will help, and continue to help, eliminate a lot of the noise that comes from unhealthy choices. Choosing functional foods for your kids to munch on is an important decision day-in and day-out throughout not only the school year, but every day. In this blog we’ll talk about some healthy snack options, what to look for when choosing snacks, some fun recipes to change things up, and a few of Nature’s Garden’s best to add to your snack drawer like their Yoggies and Healthy Trail Mix Snack Packs.
How to choose the best back-to-school snacks?
Choosing the best back-to-school snacks doesn’t have to be the overwhelming situation that it can be made out to be at times. There’s an abundance of marketing resources thrown in the mix every August, making plenty of parents feel like they’re getting hit from all angles. First day outfits are just the tip of the iceberg, but with snacking and choosing the best for your kids, we don’t have to overcomplicate things. Choosing the best back-to-school snacks involves balancing nutrition, taste, and convenience.
Choosing the best back-to-school snacks
Here are some ideas to help your search for the right snacks:
- Nutritional Value: Opt for snacks that provide a good mix of protein, fiber, and healthy fats. This can help keep energy levels stable and hunger at bay. Look for whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and nuts for simple, energizing snacks to bridge your child’s meals.
- Portability: Choose snacks that are easy to pack and don’t require refrigeration if they’ll be sitting in a lunchbox for a while. Individual servings or pre-packaged options can be convenient; try an easy option like Nature’s Garden’s Yoggies.
- Variety: Incorporate a range of snacks to keep things interesting. This might include a mix of crunchy snacks, fresh produce, and things that can be dipped or spread. By working several options into your rotation, the kids will never get bored.
- Prep Time: If you’re short on time, go for easy-to-prepare or ready-to-eat snacks. You can also have the kids lend a hand in helping make a new creation. They might end up finding a new hobby, or it could just be a good time to connect with them.
These easy 4 tips will help take the stress out of the process and allow you to enjoy this exciting time in your little kid’s life.
What are some tips for healthy back-to-school eating?
A big part of building a healthy and balanced diet is eating a variety of foods as they all bring different nutrients to the table, both macronutrients and micronutrients. The Kid’s Healthy Eating Plate from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health is a resourceful tool that gives a solid visual of healthy foods that they should be eating, as part of meals or snacks, to contribute to their overall well-being. The guide is also a good inspiration for parents to emphasize quality and variety in the food choices they make for their kids.
Choosing foods for your kids
Mimicking a concept like this creates a fun and engaging atmosphere for everyone involved and creates a regimented way to intake all of the nutrients they need. As parents you have a few key things to consider:
- Choices of food as well as their presentation.
- Options and methods of packing like meal prepping.
- Always try and sub water for other drinks.
- Building versatile snacks that will help keep them energized and comfortably full.
What are some healthy back-to-school snack ideas?
While we’ve listed a bunch of creative snacks in a few previous blog posts, I’ll also include some more basic and less time-consuming options here. A few easy snack ideas that you can feel confident in sending your child to school with are:
- Apple slices with peanut butter.
- String cheese and a cup of grapes (sliced in half depending on their age).
- Carrots or whole wheat crackers with hummus.
- Almond or sunflower seed butter on rice cakes or small whole wheat pitas.
These options in particular take little to no prep time, are super simple to put together, and are a good base to grow from as your healthy snacking knowledge takes shape. Throughout this schoolyear and the ones that follow you’ll find what works best for you and your family. Whether you find that your child’s palate is changing or they’re wanting to explore new food choices, there’s always something you can find as a healthy solution; and when you’re too stumped or burnt out to get that brain working, try our variety of healthy options like the Organic Trail Mix Snack Packs.
