Healthy Summer Snacks (without the stress)
Kids are ALWAYS hungry, aren’t they? I feel like there’s always someone in the kitchen munching on something–morning, noon and night.
I don’t have the time or the desire to be tethered to the kitchen, trying to make sure that my kids are choosing healthy options when they (incessantly) snack. It’s all about being stocked with the right foods and making it easy for them to grab-and-go.
If you’re struggling with what to have on hand with your kids home all summer, let this be your go-to guide.
Fruits and Veggies
Fruits are the go-to in my house because cold and sweet go perfectly with a hot summer day. Some of our favorites include:
- Grapes
- Strawberries (with the occasional whipped cream to make it more fun)
- Bananas (with peanut butter for added protein)
- Melons
The key is to have everything chopped and portioned out so it’s easy to grab and enjoy. I find that things like melon, pineapple and kiwi go bad before they get eaten if they’re not prepped ahead of time.
Of course, fruits contain a lot of sugar, so crisp veggies are also a good option for quick snacks. Ranch dressing and hummus are great for dipping. Some great pics include:
- Mini peppers
- Chopped cucumber
- Mini carrots
- Pre-portioned salads
Proteins
Protein helps to keep the kids full a little longer than normal. Our usual go-to’s include:
- Hard-boiled eggs
- Scrambled eggs, made ahead or let the kids make their own
- Shredded rotisserie chicken (SO much better than frozen chicken nuggets)
- Cheeses and yogurt in moderation
- Lunch meats
Fun Snacks
Of course, they’re still kids. And all my kids love the traditional “kid” snacks like chips and other “junk” food. I keep these to a minimum, but there are healthier options we keep on hand:
- Pre-packaged trail mixes (you can also make your own and portion them out so the kids don’t go overboard)
- Goldfish
- Pretzels
- Fruit snacks in moderation
What are your favorite go-to healthy (or nearly healthy) snacks to have on-hand for your kids? Are you ready for this summer break thing? Let me know!