Summer has come to an end, which means shorter days, longer nights, leaves are changing colors, and of course- back to school!
Now granted this school year is different for almost all of us, adults and children alike, but what doesn’t change is your child’s need for proper nutrition.
Whether your child is physically going back to school, or if they are doing online learning from home, proper nutrition and healthy eating is crucial for giving them the fuel they need to conquer the day.
Ensuring they are consuming healthy food throughout the day will help them grow and develop optimally. They are also more likely to be energized and motivated, which will help support their ability to learn and stay while they learn.
Children require a wide variety of nutrients like protein, complex carbohydrates, healthy fats, minerals and vitamins, to support their daily growth and development and even to help protect them from childhood illnesses.
So now you might be thinking, what kind of snacks would be ideal for your child to keep them nourished but also delicious!
Here are some simple yet tasty snack ideas your child will love- whether at home or school!
Fruit: Instead of just adding a banana to their lunch, try to make it exciting and more enticing
- Watermelon slices and yogurt dip.
- Mixed berries and granola.
- Apple slices with peanut butter.
- Fruit kabobs- add your child’s fav fruit to a mini skewer for them to enjoy!
Veggies: Again, try and make them more intrigued to eat- but remember-kids like simple!
- Veggie sticks and hummus- this is great for carrots, cucumbers and celery.
- Stuffed peppers- adding some cheese makes almost all kids want more! Try some stuffed peppers with ricotta.
- Thinly sliced, uncooked zucchini topped with a small piece of cheddar cheese.
Other Tasty Ideas:
Trail Mix: Try combining pretzels, raisins, pumpkin seeds, their favorite nut and even chocolate chips for that little extra sweet kick!
Rice Cakes: There are many yummy flavors available, ketchup, dill pickle, salt and vinegar- the list goes on!
Lunch meat rolls with cheese: Roll up your child favorite lunch meat and add some cheese chunksEach of these snacks are full of nutrition and minerals to help support a healthy diet for your child. Helping your child maintain a healthy lifestyle now will support lifelong healthy eating habits.
The sky’s the limit! Play around and see what your child likes the most and make it fun for them. Not only will they get the nutrition they need, but you can feel good knowing your child is healthy and fueled for the day of learning!
Their bodies and mind will thank you!