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Choosing healthy snacks for your child can be a challenge. There are literally thousands of delicious snack options out there for kids and parents. The trick is to find healthy snacks for kids that are tasty yet healthy at the same time. Healthy snacks for kids are easy to find if you take the time to look around, and if you pay attention to certain key factors while you’re shopping for snacks for kids you will guarantee yourself some tasty snacks for kids that won’t drain your wallet.
A critical factor to selecting the right healthy snacks for your child and maintaining one is keeping one thing in perspective; sugar.1 Too much sugar is one of the leading causes of cavities, not to mention its damage to teeth. When shopping for healthy snacks for kids it’s important to note how much sugar is in the snack, not just the sugar itself. You also need to pay close attention to the sodium content, fats, and other ingredients that may not be healthy.2 In order to have a good snack that is both healthy and tasty parents and kids need to work together, compromising and working with one another to find healthy snacks for kids that are tasty yet healthy at the same time.
Some great snacks for kids are healthy fruits, veggies, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, nuts, trail mix, granola bars, yogurt, and other healthy snacks and meals. Parents and kids can also enjoy fun foods and snacks like popcorn, grapes, pretzels, bagels, cereal, and oatmeal. Most of these foods and snacks are low in added sugars, and are great ways to get kids to eat healthier without any guilt! The best snacks for kids appeal to their taste buds and make healthy eating fun.
The Benefits of Healthy Snacks for Kids
Why are healthy snacks important for kids? Kids tend to eat a lot more than their friends. They usually do not have much choice but to eat whatever is given to them. And when it comes to snacks for kids, we can’t always be sure about the contents of those foods. The truth is that many kids eat unhealthy foods just because they are there and don’t feel like exerting any effort to get rid of them. Healthy snacks are important in helping your kids succeed in getting the nutrients they need for a healthy meal.3
Snacks for kids should be chosen carefully. If you give your kid potato chips or a candy bar, it does not mean that you are giving him healthy snacks. These snack foods do not provide much nutritional value. The nutrients come from the unnatural sources used to make the snack, so they do not contribute to your child’s nutritional needs. Healthy snacks are important because they help you encourage your kids to think about what they are eating and how it can affect their health.4
For instance, if you give your child a bag of chips and a candy bar, the next logical question to ask is whether these snacks will fill him up.5 If the answer is no, you might want to explain to your child that fat will make him fat and that he should try to control his diet to lose weight. It is better to give your child nutritious food rather than unhealthy foods that contribute to obesity. Giving him healthy snacks is a good way to begin this journey.
What Are the Best Healthy Snacks for Kids?
We all know that kids don’t typically eat a lot of healthy snacks, but there are times when we have to pick the best healthy snacks for kids. The truth is, there aren’t a lot of healthy snacks for kids out there, but there are some out there that will be very healthy and at the same time, fun for your kids to eat. Here are some healthy snacks for kids that you might want to check out.
Pretzels are always a safe bet and are also easy to eat on their own. They are tasty enough that kids won’t get hungry during school or after work. You can find premade pretzels at just about any supermarket or convenience store, and you may even be able to find them already prepared and ready to pop into your mouth. Popcorn is probably one of the most popular snack ideas for kids because it’s relatively inexpensive and is fun to eat while you watch television.6
Additionally, one of the best healthy snacks for kids is peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. For this type of sandwich, all you need is peanut butter and jelly. Peanut butter is always one of the best healthy snacks for kids.7 You can even try mixing peanut butter with a bit of cream cheese for an oatmeal snack that’s loaded with fiber and protein. You’ll find that the kids don’t care for toast that’s loaded with sugar as much as they do the oats. If you’re looking for a great snack idea, try mixing some peanut butter and cinnamon to create a great combination.8
These are just a few healthy snacks for kids. If you can’t decide what to make for your children, you can always go online and look up different recipes. There are all kinds of healthy snacks for kids, and many of them are very easy to make. All you need is something that will fill them up, and something that they enjoy. If you can find a healthy snack that offers plenty of nutrients, without too much sugar or calories, and that your kids will eat, you have found the perfect healthy snack for kids. Just remember that there are some healthy snacks for kids that are not healthy at all.
Learn How to Choose a Healthy Snack for Kids
How to choose a healthy snack for kids is something that has been asked and answered time and again. However, what you may not realize is that the healthy snack you choose will have quite an impact on your child’s overall health, just as much as how much you eat. In fact, the healthy choices that you make when you are choosing a healthy snack for kids can be just as important as the exercise or nutrition you provide. The best way to keep your kids healthy is to make sure that they are getting a full amount of nutrition every single day. Here is how to choose a healthy snack for kids that will promote good overall health.
One of the easiest ways to find healthy snacks for kids is to look in your local grocery store or drug store. If you do not find any of the options that you are looking for, consider making your own healthy snacks for kids. Making your own snacks is actually quite easy and it is definitely worth the extra time that it takes to prepare a healthy snack for your children. The first thing that you should consider when choosing a healthy snack for kids is whether or not it is high in calories. You will want to avoid all snacks that are considered to be high in calories such as cookies, candy bars, and cookies topped with fruit.
The next step that you need to take when you are learning how to choose a healthy snack for kids is to look for protein. Any snack that is high in protein is going to be a healthy choice because protein helps to build strong bones and muscles as well as providing additional energy throughout the day.9 The next thing that you should look for is whether or not the snack provides a wide variety of vitamins and minerals as well. Some of the best options that are high in vitamins include cereal, pretzels, yogurt, and even some fruits.
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2 “Kids And Sugar: A Recipe For Disaster? | Henry Ford LiveWell.” 28 Apr. 2020, https://www.henryford.com/blog/2020/04/kids-and-sugar-recipe-for-disaster Accessed 26 Jul. 2021.
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6 “Popcorn: Health Benefits, Nutrition, and Preparation – WebMD.” 17 Sep. 2020, https://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/health-benefits-popcorn Accessed 26 Jul. 2021.
7 “Is peanut butter good for you? Health benefits and nutrition.” 23 Nov. 2018, https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323781 Accessed 26 Jul. 2021.
8 “Peanut Butter: Is It Good for You? Pros and Cons, Nutrition … – WebMD.” https://www.webmd.com/diet/peanut-butter-good-for-you Accessed 26 Jul. 2021.
9 “What are the healthiest fruits? Nutrition and benefits.” 13 Feb. 2019, https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324431 Accessed 26 Jul. 2021.
