Back to school commercials have officially snuck back onto our televisions, meaning that September is just around the corner, and with that, the beginning of a new schoolyear. We all know how exciting, but sometimes intimidating that a new schoolyear can be, especially when it comes to fueling your little ones with the best there is. There are endless options out there, with a lot of the ideas and suggestions being a bit repetitive, but there’s still a ton of ways to shake things up that we’ll check out below. And when you need the perfect staples to add to your snack reserve, Nature’s Garden has your back with their endless selection that are pre-portioned and packed with essential nutrients like their Yoggies, Organic Trail Mix Snack Packs, and Immune Snack Packs.
Why is Snacking for Kids and Teens Important?
Snacking for kids and teens is important for a variety of reasons. All of these reasons are tied to getting them the important nutrients that they might’ve missed throughout the day, during these developmental years where nutrition is so key to a healthy life. Children and teens alike, need the best fuel for growing and learning. The best part about all of this though, is that it’s super easy to throw a few changeups in the mix and keep things fun for them. A few of the reasons to keep after school snacks on deck are:
- Focus and Learning: For kids and teens, maintaining stable energy and blood sugar levels can help with concentration and academic performance. Being hungry can make it harder to focus on schoolwork and other tasks, especially if they’re very active.
- Healthy Eating Habits: Incorporating healthy snacks can help establish good eating habits. It’s an opportunity to encourage choices like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins over sugary or processed options.
- Energy Needs: Growing bodies and active lifestyles require a steady supply of energy. Healthy snacks help maintain energy levels throughout the day, especially between meals when hunger strikes.
- Growth and Development: Adolescence is a period of rapid growth. Snacks that include proteins, healthy fats, and other nutrients can support this development and help meet increased nutritional needs.
- Nutritional Balance: Snacks can provide essential nutrients that might be missing from main meals. For instance, fruits, nuts, and yogurt can offer vitamins, minerals, and protein that support overall growth and development.
- Blood Sugar Regulation: Regular, balanced snacks help maintain stable blood sugar levels, preventing the extreme highs and lows that can come from skipping snacks or having irregular mealtimes.
The best part of being focused on their diet and nutritional needs, is it really isn’t all that hard. At the end of the day, you’ll see all of the positives of your love and dedication to keeping them healthy.
Why is Attention to After School Snacking Important?
Keeping an eye on your kids and teens and what they consume should be a priority for all parents, but let’s face it, sometimes we cave into the ‘pretty pleases’ and let them have something of their choice. While that’s not a bad thing and everyone deserves a little break now and again, it’s smart to not make it a habit. Most juices and sodas for example, are loaded with sugar, which is the exact opposite of what we want them to turn to when they’re thirsty.
Why Choose Healthy After School Snacks
According to the National Library of Medicine: “Dietary intake has been strongly linked to childhood obesity via caloric imbalance, particularly due to excess calories from sugary beverages. The American Academy of Pediatrics and recent Dietary Guidelines for Americans suggest that children limit consumption of sugar-sweetened drinks and 100% juice; eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, calcium, and fiber; limit consumption of energy-dense foods; and limit portion size.”
What are some After School Snack Ideas for Kids and Teens?
Kids and teens alike, need snacks that are a bit more substantial to help bridge the gaps in their mealtimes without sacrificing. Here are some ideas that balance nutrition, are super simple, and help keep things interesting:
- Trail Mix: Create a mix of nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and a few chocolate or yogurt-covered treats for a sweet and salty snack.
- Protein Balls: A nice DIY option can be made by taking your favorite organic protein powder, low sugar chocolate chips, rolled oats, your kid’s favorite nut butter, and some honey for an easy snack that you can store right in your refrigerator.
- Hummus and Pita Chips: Pair their favorite hummus with whole-grain pita chips or sliced pita bread for a crunchy, satisfying snack.
- Smoothie Bowl: Blend fruits or a prepackaged acai packet with some yogurt or milk, then top with granola, seeds, and fresh fruit.
- Greek Yogurt with Toppings: Mix Greek yogurt with honey, fresh fruit, and a handful of nuts or granola.
There are endless options to choose to keep your kids energized throughout the day without having to sacrifice our nutritional needs while keeping them full and focused. And for the times when you’re just out of ideas, keep Nature’s Garden Yoggies in your back pocket.
