5 Healthy Snacks

5 Healthy snacks options are essential for busy kids and families. School has begun, brains are working hard and activities are underway. Give your children a head start to the school year by being prepared. Provide the most nutritious snack options you can for your family. Drive by those fast-food establishments with pride. Your kids will thank you and so will your pocketbook!

The healthy snacks pictured above are all from Costco. Costco is great for saving money while buying in bulk. If you don’t have access to a Costco or other warehouse establishments, look for deals at your local grocer or farmers market. Love farmers markets!!!

I think we can all agree fresh unprocessed foods are best. Carrots, celery, cucumbers, radishes, peppers, tomatoes (my daughters favorite), strawberries, grapes, apples, oranges, bananas, kiwi…I can go on forever. Find what whole foods your kids love and go with it. They don’t have to try everything, don’t force, have them help decide. Empowering your children to choose nutritious options will strengthen their ability make healthy choices when you’re not around.

Pairing vegetables with a dip is a great way to get kids to eat their fruits and veggies. If they don’t love hummus try a vegan ranch dressing as an alternative. If you don’t have to worry about peanut allergies, peanut butter is always a hit, just remember to make sure it is okay with the school before you pack it in their lunch box.

 

 

 

Take the time to package snacks yourself. Processed foods and prepackaged foods are costly, do it yourself and you’ll save money.

An easy snack, fresh fruit. Fruit on its own is sweet, juicy, satisfying, and great for your kids.  Fruit is best when it is in season. I realize that during the winter months choices become limited, do what you can. If you need to purchase fruit on the go, bagged apples and fruit cups (in their own juice, no added sugar) are always an option.

Here are a couple of snacks that some may consider not so healthy, that’s okay. We can’t be perfect. One of my most important tips, READ LABELS. The fewer the ingredients the better. If you can’t pronounce an ingredient or there are too many, choose something else.

Allergies are challenging for meals let alone snack time.  The less processed = less allergy concerns.

Less processed foods save money. Less processed means better nutrition. Remember whole food plant based is best. Don’t get discouraged it is easier than you think.