Kids are typically known as little snackers. They are more likely to choose a snack to enjoy rather than eating well balanced meals throughout the day. This can sometimes be an issue, especially when dealing with kids with a sweet tooth who much prefer sweeter snacks or kids who are picky and only want to enjoy things such as Cheetos! It can be difficult to get the proper nutrition into kids of all ages.

That’s why providing healthy snacks for kids can help to get them a more balanced nutrition, even if they aren’t eating a well-rounded 3 meals a day:

1. Yogurt

Yogurt can be a quick and easy snack option for kids! Especially when choosing Greek yogurt, this can provide a large amount of protein in the child’s diet. Dressing it up with different things such as seeds, like chia seeds or flax seeds, can even boost the nutrition level of yogurt! This is a great option for kids!

2. Celery and apples with nut butter

If you’re picky eater won’t eat celery or apple slices alone, another way to make this treat healthy is to use apples cut into round slices so it can act as a “cracker” and putting peanut butter (or almond butter) on top. If there is a sweet tooth in the family, even adding a couple of chocolate chips or raisins (or craisins) on top of the peanut butter is a good way to make this a more appealing snack option! This provides protein-rich snacks for the child due to the nut butter.

3. Trail mix

Trail mix can be tricky because sometimes kids will eat their favorite parts, such as the M&Ms, and leave the rest! A homemade trail mix is a great option if kids tend to do this! Things like a cheese cracker, pretzel stick, almonds, raisins and even dried cranberries can be added. Other dried fruits for the kids’ liking can be added, as well! Different chips such as pea chips or black bean chips can even be added. This is a great way to get protein and good nutrition sources into the child’s diet.

4. Oatmeal

Oatmeal is a great option because it is filled with fiber! This will be a great way to get some energizing snacks into the diet! Like yogurt, oatmeal can be topped with many different things such as apple sauce, peanut butter, dried fruit, different seeds and even some chocolate chips to add a little sweetness!

5. Fruit smoothies

A fruit smoothie may just be a favorite choice! Not only are they sweet and delicious, they also are easy to hide fruits and even vegetables into them! Add a handful of spinach to get some good green leafy veggies in the child’s diet! Adding things like a nutritional powder is also very easy to do, which will give a boost of nutrition, as well!

Providing many different snack options to kids who love to snack is an easy way to help keep their diet well rounded and balanced! It makes it easier to get vegetables into their diet, fruits into their diet and even different protein items! Snacks can be tailored to the child specifically to include things that they will eat!