In order for kids to get the most out of the school day, they need to be eating healthy snacks. Studies have found that kids who eat healthy do better in school, so give your kids’ brains and bodies a boost by sending them off to class with one of these tasty snacks. All of these options are healthy, portable and kid-approved, and they’ll help keep the energy up and brains alert until the final school bell rings.
Ants on a Log
This playground classic is fun to eat and super healthy. All you need to do is cut a celery stalk into 4-inch-long pieces, spread them with peanut butter and then top with raisins. Kids love picking the “ants” off the “log,” and parents love how this snack provides a serving of protein alongside veggies and fruits.
Garlic and Parmesan Fish Sticks
While fish is normally considered a meal rather than a snack, this Garlic and Parmesan Fish Sticks recipe is a great choice for a healthy bite on the go. The recipe calls for cod or Tilapia, which contains protein and omega-3, both nutrients that are super important for developing bodies and brains. Since this recipe is gluten-free, it’s a great choice for kids with wheat sensitivities. Pack it up with a little container of ketchup or yogurt-based dipping sauce and your child will be the envy of the lunch room!
Trail Mix
Trail mix is a hiker’s favorite snack for a reason: it keeps your energy up all day long with healthy ingredients like nuts, seeds and dried fruits. While you can buy pre-packaged trail mix at the store, many of them have unhealthy ingredients like chocolate and candy. By making your own trail mix at home with a recipe like this one, you can leave out the junk food and add more delicious fruits and nuts.
Roasted Chickpeas
Skip the chips and pack along some roasted chickpeas for a healthy, crunchy snack that’s super customizable and high in fiber. They’re quick and easy to make: all you have to do is drain and rinse a can of chickpeas, season them with olive oil and your favorite spice blend and roast them in a 450-degree oven for about 15 minutes. To up the flavor factor, try tossing the chickpeas in honey and cinnamon or garlic, rosemary and parmesan before roasting.
Peanut Butter Banana Spirals
If you’ve got a sandwich fan in your family, they’ll love Peanut Butter Banana Spirals. This snack packs a nutritional punch because each bite has fruit, whole wheat carbs and protein. To make this tasty snack, spread some peanut butter across the middle of a slice of whole wheat bread, add sliced banana, vanilla yogurt and a sprinkle of cinnamon, then roll it up before cutting it into bite sized pieces. For an extra treat, add unsweetened shredded coconut or honey to the filling.
These healthy, easy snacks are sure to be a hit with any kid who finds them in their lunchbox. Whip up a batch to ward off that afternoon crash and keep the energy going strong all day!
Image Credits: Tim Masters / Shutterstock.com, Kara Lydon, Brent Hofacker / Shutterstock.com