Did you know snacking is GOOD for children? I’m not talking about mindless eating of junk food while watching TV – I mean, planning snack time into your child’s day is a healthy habit! As an Earth’s Best Blogger, this month, I’ll be sharing some news and information (and giveaways) about healthy snacks for kids!
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Toddlers need to snack because:
- Their stomachs are smaller and can’t handle large meals
- Kids need to be constantly eating to get enough proteins, fats, and carbs daily
- Snacking gives them extra energy throughout the day, and vitamins and nutrients
- Scheduled snacking promotes structured eating habits – you won’t spoil their dinner if you plan a snack or two inbetween meals
- A snack break is a great time to transition kids and also get them to drink more fluids (this one is my own opinion – my son does not like to stop to drink water, but if I offer a small snack with it, he’s more likely to get his fluids down!).
So what can you offer your children as a healthy snack? Here’s some suggestions:
- Earth’s Best Kidz Whole Grain Bars
- Peanut or other nut butters – spread on apples, bananas, graham crackers, or celery!
- Hard-boiled eggs (great to make ahead for the week and store in the fridge!)
- Peanut butter on graham crackers
- Soft cooked veggie finger foods, like carrot sticks or sweet potato sticks, for your little snackers!
- Earth’s Best Organic Kidz Applesauce
- Leftovers – yes! Use up last night’s dinner by serving it in muffin tins, cut into fun shapes, or with an added dipping sauce! Or bake leftover carrots and zucchini into some mini muffins!
- Cheese & crackers (a family favorite!)
Read more about “Healthy Snacking Throughout the Day” on the Earth’s Best website, and visit the USDA Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion to view toddlers’ food needs.
What’s your favorite healthy snack to serve your kids?
This post was written as part of the Earth’s Best Blogger program. I was provided product samples to facilitate this post, and may be eligible for additional blogger rewards. All opinions are 100% my own.
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We are big snackers here! We try different things and love to see the new products that companies like Earth’s Best makes that are geared for the toddlers.
Crunchy Beach Mama recently posted..PlanetBox new Launch Complete LunchBox Giveaway
Very good snack ideas!
Hey they have applesauce cups too? YEAH!! My littlest one is in preschool this year and has to bring snacks!! WOO HOO!
Brett recently posted..Finding…SHARK WEEK! (Free Shark Facts and FUN inside!)
I have a recipe for the granola bars, which reminds me I need to post! For the tortilla chips you’ll need:
Butter flavored cooking spray
2 whole wheat tortillas cut into 16 wedges
2 tsp Smart Balance Butter or Unsalted butter-melted
1/2 tsp cinnamon
dash of allspice-optional
1/4 tsp Truvia
Preheat your oven to 350°. In a small bowl mix together cinnamon, allspice and Truvia. Lightly spray your baking sheet with cooking spray. Place the wedges on the baking sheet. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle each wedges with sugar and spice mixture. Bake 8 minutes or until golden and crispy. The kids love them!!
Nichol recently posted..The World Almanac for Kids 2013 Review
These look like great healthy snacks – something you wouldn’t mind letting your kids snack on!
Jenn @therebelchick recently posted..Tips on How to See a Broadway Show on a Budget!
Okay, I am intrigued! Do you have a tutorial for making tortilla chips or granola bars? I would love to learn!
Ashley – Embracing Beauty recently posted..Dreyer’s/Edy’s Slow Churned Ice Cream
I’m a huge fan of Earth’s Best and well, of snacking!!!
Ashley – Embracing Beauty recently posted..Dreyer’s/Edy’s Slow Churned Ice Cream
We love any fruits, but I also enjoy making homemade tortilla chips with whole wheat tortillas and both kids love my homemade granola bars!
Nichol recently posted..The World Almanac for Kids 2013 Review