With the school year creeping up on us day by day and the dog days of summer in full swing, it’s time for us to get thinking about being back in the school year routine. Commercials are flooding our television sets and radio waves with all the ‘back-to-school’ supplies, snack, and more. Wading through this vast variety can be really easy when you know what to look for, and when you know what your little ones need to keep them fueled and functioning at their best all day long. Nuts, for instance, are one of the most convenient and nutrient dense options out there to weave into their daily diet, and maybe even sneak them into their lunch boxes or snack packs. Whether it’s a portioned snack bag of peanuts or pistachios, some of Nature’s Garden’s Immune Snack Packs, or even Nature’s Garden’s Organic Trail Mix Snack Packs you can feel confident that they’ll be filling their bellies with the best there is.
When is the Best Time to Eat Nuts?
While nuts are a. great source of healthy fats and protein, they can also be one of those snacks that is super easy to overconsume. This is primarily because they’re small and have a solid flavor pallet across their variety of nuts, so it’s easy to toss handful after handful in your mouth and essentially end up overeating. When portioned correctly though, and eaten for the purpose of bridging meals, they’re an incredible way to curb hunger and add solid nutritional value. In an article from Harvard Health Publishing, Dr. Helen Delichatsios says, “The key is to consume nuts in a way that delivers health benefits without the weight gain. That means limiting portions and eating nuts instead of not in addition to, certain other foods. "Nuts are a great source of good fats and protein," says Dr. Helen Delichatsios, an assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School. "But they should not be added onto everything else that you eat."
What Should I be Packing in my Kid’s Lunchbox?
When it comes to deciding on the best snacks to throw in your kid’s lunchbox, you can sometimes be faced with a bit of a dilemma. You don’t want them to not enjoy what they’re eating, but you also don’t want to entice unhealthy habits by packing them junk. We want to help you find the happy medium. Fruit is difficult because it could overheat and be mushy by the time their lunch rolls around unless it’s dried, sliced up veggies are always very nutritious, but not the most enticing to have day in and day out. Well, what about nuts? They have a variety of nutritional purposes, you don’t have to worry about them spoiling, and they’re super convenient for you to pack and for them to enjoy!
Reasons to include nuts as a lunch snacks
Some of the top reasons to include nuts in your child’s lunchbox are:
- They Boost Brain Function: Nuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins like E and B, which are essential for brain health and cognitive function. These nutrients help improve concentration and memory, supporting better learning and performance in school.
- They Provide Sustained Energy: The combination of healthy fats, protein, and fiber in nuts offers a steady release of energy, helping to keep kids active and focused throughout the school day. Unlike sugary snacks that can lead to energy crashes, nuts provide a more balanced and lasting boost.
- They Support Growth and Development: Nuts are a good source of important minerals such as magnesium, zinc, and iron, which are crucial for overall growth and development. They contribute to healthy bones, muscles, and immune function, supporting kids’ physical health and development.
What are some other Healthy Lunchbox Snacks?
A common misconception used to be that healthy = boring, but that is increasingly less and less true as nutrition focused people and parents continue to push the envelope with innovative ideas. A few easy and practical, nutty snack ideas are:
- Nut Butter Packs: Single-serving packs of almond or peanut butter are convenient and mess-free. Pair them with apple slices, carrot sticks, or whole-grain crackers for a balanced snack.
- Roasted Chickpeas and Nuts: Mix roasted chickpeas with a handful of your favorite nuts and a bit of seasoning (like paprika or garlic powder). This combo provides a crunchy texture and a good mix of protein and fiber.
- Nutty Energy Balls: Make homemade energy balls by blending nuts (such as almonds or cashews) with oats, a bit of honey or maple syrup, and optional add-ins like chia seeds or cocoa powder. Roll into bite-sized balls for an easy, nutritious snack.
- Nut-Crusted Cheese Sticks: Dip cheese sticks in egg white and then roll in finely chopped nuts (like pistachios or almonds) before baking. This adds a crunchy coating and extra nutrients to a classic cheese snack.
- Trail Mix: Combine a variety of nuts (like almonds, walnuts, and cashews) with dried fruits (such as raisins or cranberries) and a sprinkle of seeds (like sunflower or pumpkin seeds). You can also add a few dark chocolate chips for a touch of sweetness.
These are just a few incredible, solid options. There are also a ton of prepackaged goodies from Nature’s Garden like their Immune Snack Packs, that are worth working into your little one’s snack habits this fall!
