With school almost back in session, it is time to think about what goes into those snack packs. Kids need healthy, fast snacks that will sustain their energy, appetite, and mood throughout their long days.
 
Healthy high quality snacks, that consist of powerful proteins, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats are a great strategy for regulating blood sugar, appetite, and warding off those mid-afternoon meltdowns.
 
The trap most adults fall into is not realizing the difference between a snack and a treat, or not being prepared enough to pack balanced snacks. A snack is merely a mini meal, meant to nourish your nieces and nephews.
 
So plan ahead and have healthy snack choices on hand when your nieces or nephews visit. Frozen yogurt is a treat, not a snack, and will not sustain or nourish the kids.
 
Below are some of my favorite grab-and-go snacks, which should give you some ideas and help you plan ahead:
 
-Apple or pear rings with almond, peanut, cashew, or sunflower butter – decorate with chips or raisins
-Lara bars – great three-ingredient snack bars
-Cottage cheese mixed with, berries, and walnuts/almonds/flax seeds
-Hummus with carrot sticks or sliced red/yellow/orange peppers
-Guacamole with carrot sticks or sliced red/yellow/orange peppers
-Ricotta cheese mixed with cocoa powder, stevia, and vanilla extract, topped with berries
-Hardboiled eggs with carrot and celery sticks, and hummus
-Celery sticks with organic peanut butter or almond butter – add raisins for kids
-Avocado slices wrapped in nitrate-free turkey breast
-A piece of sprouted grain, whole grain, or pita with almond butter and bananas
-Fresh sliced pineapple with a handful of pistachio nuts
-A bowl of blueberries mixed with raw almonds
-Cottage cheese with cinnamon, apple slices, and walnuts
-Organic cheese stick and carrots

Dawn Lerman, Magnificent Mommies founder, MA, NYU LCAT, CH.H.C, AADP is a holistic health expert, certified by the American Association of Drugless Practitioners and is a graduate of The Institute for Integrative Nutrition.

Photo: Wendy Copley
Published: August 20, 2013