Healthy Choices For Kids' Snacks That Make Sense
For years, convenience foods were often the least healthy choices for kids on the go, which is really any kid you can think of, right? Chips, candy bars, canned meats and other unhealthy food choices dominated lunch bags across America for generations. Today, the convenient meal choices available to parents are more diverse, but, as they say, old habits die hard.
Childhood obesity is still a widespread problem in our culture and much of the blame is placed on unhealthy snacks and convenience foods our kids still crave. You don’t have to ban sugar and fat from your children’s diets, but these 10 healthy convenience foods will go a long way to improving kids’ fitness:
1. Raisins
Yes, there is a little bit of sunshine in every box of raisins, for raisins are a great snack for kids. Not only are they are portable and convenient snacks, but they’re packed with vitamins and nutrients your child’s body needs. Throwing in a box of raisins in your child’s lunch is one of the easiest and sensible things you can do.
2. String Cheese
Pre-packaged cheese is a great convenience food choice for kids. String cheese is made with skim milk, and it isn’t always neon orange in color. These snacks are becoming much healthier options, and avoiding the brightest cheeses means less unhealthy dyes and additives in your child’s diet every day.
3. Yogurt
Yogurt is a healthy helping of dairy in a convenient, portable cup. It’s also a tasty treat that offers a healthy bit of sugar for active kids, while still including the calcium and healthy bacteria they need to thrive. Yogurt also makes a great dip that kids can combine with fruit, vegetables or crackers for more variety. To ramp up the healthy qualities of yogurt, add some granola to the mix, and make it a crunchy treat kids will love.
4. Trail Mix
A few sensible handfuls of natural trail mix is a perfect on-the-go snack for kids. Better mixes offer fiber, nutrition, and energy to keep them going all day. A word of caution – avoid the temptation to buy trail mixes with lots of sweetened coconut, chocolate, coconut, or other high-impact sugars – a little of that goes a long way. Instead, choose varieties with lots of nuts, grains, and dried fruits.
5. Popcorn
Again, choosing wisely with popcorn creates a light, filling snack that’s good day or night. Without all the excess fat in heavy oils, butter, and salt, popcorn can be an incredibly healthy snack for kids and adults alike. If you’re looking to add a little more flavor to popcorn, try some all-natural seasonings like Parmesan cheese or dried herbs. These choices add lots of flavor with just a few sprinkles.
6. Applesauce
Applesauce is a healthy, convenient, and natural snack you can mix with cinnamon or a little strawberry puree. This is comfort food you enjoyed yourself as a kid, and your children can still enjoy the same taste will less sugar today. Keep a jar handy in your pantry or buy single serving cups for a convenience food kids will gobble up with their favorite meal.
7. Fruit
It doesn’t get much more natural than this. Fresh fruit is nature's own convenience food, and sometimes it even comes wrapped in its own convenient package. To boost the convenience factor for kids, you can peel a variety of fruit and package as a fruit salad in plastic containers or zip-lock bags. To keep things fresh during their travels, squeeze a touch of lemon juice with their favorite fruits.
8. Beef Jerky
This may not be your first choice for a healthy convenience food for kids, but beef jerky actually is a good one. In order to prevent jerky from going rancid, the manufacturing process involves trimming the fat off before it's cured. The end result is a flavorful, no-nonsense protein source that’s low in carbs.
Jerky is first marinated then smoked, a preferred method of cooking for health-conscious people. Most kids like bacon anyway, so this healthier alternative makes sense as a convenient snack for nibbling on the run.
9. Pretzels with peanut butter
Here’s a convenience food that satisfies a kid’s craving for a hearty crunch and creamy, delicious peanut taste. The combination is portable and quite nutritious, and you can go one better by choosing natural peanut butter and fat free pretzels. It’s the perfect snack for busy days filled with band or soccer practice, music lessons, or anything else that keeps you and your kids going strong all day.
10. Fig Newtons
These little nuggets give your kids a healthy snack to satisfy their sweet tooth without too much damage. They’re available in many different flavors, and contribute only about 20 calories from fat. It’s a sweet treat that gets its power from nature, and lots of kids love the taste.
Your kids may be as active as you are, but you can still provide healthy convenience foods to make a positive impact on their lives. Making these kinds of choices keeps your kids active and healthy while satisfying their craving for good things to eat.
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