Most families are busy. With three kids, my family is constantly going between school, sports, and other activities during the week and on the weekends. Having healthy snacks to grab while on-the-go is essential to stave off hunger!
Try putting together a basket of non-perishable snack items your kids can choose from, and keep that in your car or near the door. Stock it with some of these items:
Fresh Fruit – Clementines, Apples
Turkey Meat Sticks
Whole Grain and Low-Sodium Crackers – (my family loves Nut-Thins)
Whole Grain Pita Chips
Fruit/Vegetable Sauce Pouches
Fruit Cups in Juice – Mandarin Oranges, Peaches, Pears
Freeze-Dried Fruit – Mangoes, Apples, Strawberries, etc.
Popcorn
Rice Cakes
Whole Grain Muffins
Trail Mix, Granola or Granola Bites
Olives
You can do the same thing in your fridge and have a section that you stock with cold grab and go snacks. Some favorites in my house include:
Individual Milk
Fresh Fruit – Blueberries, Grapes, Strawberries, etc.
Peeled Hard Boiled Eggs
Yogurt or Yogurt Smoothies
Cottage Cheese
Avocado/Guacamole Mini Cups
Hummus Cups
Cheese Sticks
Fresh Veggies - Baby Carrots, Peppers, Cucumbers, Snap Peas
If you want to make some grab and go snacks, try this healthier alternative to a traditional chocolate chip cookie.
Oatmeal Snack Cookies
Makes 6-8
2 large, ripe bananas
1 cup quick oats
1/3 cup chocolate chips
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Line baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Place bananas in a medium bowl and mash. Add oats and chocolate chips and mix thoroughly.
4. Spoon onto a lined baking sheet and mold the cookies with your fingers.
5. Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown.
Recipe adapted from: https://kataremajanews.blogspot.com