Summer Vacation ...Gear up with Healthy Snacks for the Kids

More freedom and a less structured routine in the summer can lead to more unhealthy snacking for many kids. With summer vacation and more time on their hands, they often think they are hungry when they’re really just bored. Avoid the summer weight gain and learn how to limit the junk food and offer easy and healthy snacks.

 

But what are some healthy snack ideas?  Here are some of my favorite and healthier snacks that are sure to be a hit with the kids this summer!

 

 

 

Healthy summer snacks for kids:

• Veggies and dip; carrots, celery, broccoli and peppers and dip in low fat ranch dressing.
• Smoothies: blend nonfat plain yogurt, strawberries, raspberries and blueberries and ice in a blender.
• Fruit kabobs; dice up your favorite fruits and line them up on a wooden skewer.
• Baby carrots and a side of hummus.
• Slice a banana in half and smear peanut butter on top.
• Baked tortilla chips with white bean dip.
• Keep a bowl of fresh fruits and vegetables that are clean and ready to eat on the kitchen table or front and center in the refrigerator so that the kids can reach it.
• Frozen blueberries or strawberries on top of non fat yogurt make a refreshing afternoon snack. Make your own frozen snacks using unsweetened fruit juice, water and seedless watermelon chunks. Pour into ice cube trays, add wooden sticks and freeze
• Half a turkey sandwich on 100% whole wheat bread with a sliced apple.
• String cheese and whole wheat crackers.
• Low fat graham crackers with peanut butter.

Healthy summer snacks are key to keeping your child well nourished during summer vacation. When children get hungry, they can easily turn to quick unhealthy snacks, vending machines or fast food restaurants to satisfy their snacking needs.

 

With a little bit of planning, you can keep your child on track for a healthy summer with their favorite healthy and tasty snacks to nibble on!  Involve them in the planning, keep it fun, and they will be onboard with the snack selections. Enjoy the summer!