Healthy Habits: Making Over Your Kids' Snacks

While Ho-Hos and Twinkies may make every kid smile, there’s no denying that their lack of any nutritional value makes them a less than stellar option in the snack department. Instead of passing off pure sugar to your kids when they’re vying for a snack, try swapping an unhealthy snack with one of these healthier snack options that will not only put their hunger at bay, but also give them a nutritional punch:
1.    Instead of chips and dip try carrot sticks and hummus – When your kids are craving a salty snack that gives a satisfying crunch skip the chips and dip and instead try carrot sticks and hummus. The carrots will give the much desired crunch that chips provide, and swapping French onion dip or salsa with creamy hummus will give them an extra dose of protein, making it a more satiating snack. Hummus comes in a variety of different flavors, so you’re sure to find one that the kids won’t be able to get enough of.

2.    Instead of mini cookies with frosting to dunk in try homemade fruit dip with fresh berries – While those little snack packs of cookies with frosting may be convenient, they do nothing more than give your kids a sugar rush… which will quickly be followed by a sugar crash. Instead use vanilla Greek yogurt or plain Greek yogurt – both of which are loaded with protein – mixed with honey and cinnamon to dip strawberries or raspberries in. That way they can satisfy their sweet tooth the healthy way.

3.    Instead of peanut butter crackers try ants on a log – Peanut butter crackers may be tasty, but they don’t do much in the way of nutrition. Instead, cut up celery and fill it with a spoonful of peanut butter, then top with raisins. The kids will love the resemblance to ants on a log, and they’ll still get a delicious dose of creamy peanut butter, just with a more healthy twist.

4.    Instead of frozen mini pizzas try homemade ones – Frozen mini pizzas are usually loaded with artificial ingredients, grease, and fat, however pizza doesn’t have to be unhealthy. Slice a whole wheat English muffin in half, top lightly with jarred tomato sauce, and then sprinkle some reduced fat mozzarella cheese on top. Pop it in the oven until the cheese is melted and you have a much healthier version of a mini pizza for your kids to enjoy.

5.    Instead of Lunchables try turkey roll-ups – Those little pre-made lunches with crackers, meat, and cheese are loaded with sodium. Make turkey roll-ups instead by taking a slice of turkey meat, putting a squeeze of mustard down the middle, and then rolling a low-fat cheese stick up in it. This version will be lower in sodium and fat, and higher in protein.
These easy snack swaps will give your kids a much healthier snack option to munch on after school or throughout the day then their typical store-bought, packaged counterparts. And they’re all easy, delicious, and nutritious – everything a snack should be!

Author  Byline:
Monta the mother of three children serves as an Expert Advisor on multiple household help issues to many Organizations and groups, and is a mentor for other “Mom-preneurs” seeking guidance.  She is a regular contributor of “nanny jobs”.  You can get in touch with her at montafleming6Atgmail dotcom.