Resetting Your Family's Snack Routine This Fall: Getting Back to a Routine After Summer

For families, fall often means a return to school, activities, and busier schedules. As you get back to a routine after summer, it's a great time to reset your family's snacking habits. By stocking nourishing snacks and setting regular snack times, you can ensure everyone is fueled and ready for everything the day brings.

Why Fall Is the Right Time for a Snack Reset

Resetting your family snack schedule can help you manage all the changes that come with the transition from summer to fall. It's the perfect time to build a routine that supports the shift to more structured weekdays. You can plan out your snacks to ensure your kids have the energy they need for lunchtime, sports practice, or hanging out at home after school.

Building a Routine That Works for the Whole Family

The best way to get back into a routine after summer is to find a snack schedule that works for everyone in your household. When you choose snack times that complement your routine, it's easier to encourage healthy, consistent snacking.

Set Consistent Weekday Snack Times

Look at your family's weekly schedule, and identify snack times that work for everyone. If you can, try to keep them the same every day to set expectations and keep hunger at bay.

An after-school snack works well for many families. Kids are often hungry after a long day of school, and a snack helps tide them over until dinner. Depending on your family's routine, you might serve the snack at home or in the car on the way to an activity.

Does your family eat dinner early? A bedtime snack might fit your routine better. You can also plan snacks for school breaks or lunchtimes. If you have kids who aren't in school, a midmorning snack can break up the time between breakfast and lunch. 

Stock a Rotating, Shelf-Stable Stash

When you're on the go, it's not always possible to prepare a complicated snack. That's where nourishing, shelf-stable snacks come in — you can keep them in the car, tuck them in a backpack, or let your family members grab them on the go as they head out the door.

To ensure you always have an option on hand, build up a snack stash in your pantry. You can rotate through different foods to keep things interesting and determine which snacks your kids like best.

Get Your Family Involved

One of the best ways to encourage your kids to participate in snack time is to involve them in the planning process. Ask when they get hungry during the day, and schedule snacks around their feedback. It's also a good idea to ask about their favorite snacks to find out which foods seem most appealing. Then, you can choose nourishing, kid-approved snacks that they'll actually love to eat.

Nature's Garden Picks for Every Member of the Family

Not sure how to select family-friendly snacks that fit into a balanced lifestyle? At Nature's Garden, we offer plenty of options to choose from. These are a few of our favorite functional snacks — and, as a bonus, they all come in individually packaged servings that are easy to transport and clean up.

Trail Mix Snack Packs

Our Trail Mix Snack Packs are made with carefully sourced ingredients for functional snacking. Packed with nuts, seeds, and fruits, they're a filling option for busy days. The convenient snack packs fit easily into a backpack, so your kids can eat them on the go. You can join in the fun, too — trail mix is a great, mess-free treat to eat at your desk or in the car.

Probiotic YOGGIES

If your kids like a sweet treat after school, Probiotic YOGGIES fit the bill. They're made with real fruit bites and a creamy yogurt coating to satisfy any sweet tooth. They're also a good source of fiber and contain one of the most well-researched probiotic strains. YOGGIES are shelf-stable and available in multiple fruit types for variety.

FRUiCHiAS

Add probiotics to your snacking routine with FRUiCHiAS — each bite contains 2 billion probiotics. Made with real fruit and chia seeds, they deliver a burst of flavor and a satisfying crunch. They're a good source of fiber, and they have zero added sugar. You don't need to refrigerate them, so they hold up well in a lunch box or snack closet.

Clusters

For families that love a crunchy snack, it's hard to beat Clusters. They're like granola, but reimagined as larger clusters made with oats, nuts, seeds, and dried fruit. It's a filling option before sports practice or outdoor activities. Clusters are non-GMO and free of artificial colors, and your kids can eat them straight from the bag.

Keeping the Routine Going Past September

The trick to building a fall snack routine that lasts is to find a strategy that works for your family. When you build your snacking plan around your schedule and your kids' preferences, it's easier to create habits that stick. Check out Nature's Garden to find shelf-stable, convenient snacks for the whole family.

Probiotic Strawberry Yoggies $20.99