Give your Kids Health Fuel
Active children can burn a tremendous amount of energy throughout the day, and this is particularly true in the summer months when they seem to be on the go from dawn until dusk. Nourishing little bodies properly on a daily basis is a top parenting challenge, but it is critical for their health and growth. These are some excellent snack ideas to consider giving your kids during the summer months.
Fresh Fruit
Kids often crave sweets, and fresh fruit provides them with a refreshing and healthy way to satisfy that sweet tooth. Consider stocking up on cold watermelon and berries. Keep a bowl of apples, oranges and bananas on the counter for kids to grab as desired. Red or green grapes are another popular option that can easily be taken with you on road trips or to the park. Many of these options will also re-hydrate them when they have been playing outdoors on warm days.
Veggies and Dip
Kids also need plenty of vegetables throughout the day, and adding a fun dip to your veggies can make them more enjoyable for kids to eat. Celery with peanut butter is usually a crowd pleaser. Carrot sticks and cauliflower blocks with ranch dressing are a few other great ideas. These work well as a side dish with dinner or lunch as well.
Rolls and Buns
Your children will also need plenty of carbohydrates to replace the calories they burn throughout the day. Healthy breads, such as those made with whole grains, are a wonderful option. Consider fun shapes to add a creative element to snacks. For example, Kaiser buns have a pinwheel look to them that children love. Make sure you get them from a local company like Klosterman Baking Company to reduce the amount of preservatives and other unnecessary ingredients your kids are eating.
Cheese Sticks
To provide your children with a well-rounded diet, your kids will also need some dairy in their diet. Dairy can be fattening, so opt for low-fat or no-fat varieties of string cheese sticks. These sticks are fun for kids to eat, and the protein in the dairy products can fill up their little bellies. Crackers and cheese squares is another option that combines carbs with a protein-rich dairy snack.
It is wise to plan ahead for snacks and treats throughout the week by purchasing multiple snack options from each food group at the grocery store. After you stock up on different options, you can offer kids a wide range of snacks throughout the day to ensure that they get the nutrients and energy they need to stay healthy all summer long.