Healthy School snacks and after school snacks, kids will want to eat + Shopping Checklist Included

 

School days bring backpacks, lunchboxes, homework, supplies, and snacks.  We as parents are looking for easy snacks we can throw into their backpacks.  We don’t want to give up healthy options just for convenience.  I have you covered.  Here are healthy school snacks for on to go and at home.

 

I know that many days I wonder what will I give my son for snack tomorrow?  Sometimes it’s hard to come up with ideas.  I want to avoid processed food snacks and give healthier foods.  As busy parents running in all directions we need a list to refer too.  I made that list of healthy on the go snacks and school snacks for you.

 

 

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Whether you are giving snacks for lunchtime, snack time or need it on the field for that soccer game you need something that’s easy.  Portable yes, but also easy for the kids to eat.  You are looking for foods that don’t make a big mess and finger foods.

 

These snacks are all quick and easy.  You can throw them in the lunchbox, backpack or the car. They will help keep your life simple and have an added benefit of being good for your child.  When food shopping think about healthier options. Bring this list to avoid heavily processed snacks.

 

Tip: These are the items I use to make my sons lunch.  Sometimes if you use fun shapes or different sizes they are more likely to eat the food.

 

                                               

 

 

Make sure to print your list of Healthy Kid Snacks for your next shopping trip.

 

 

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Why are healthy snacks important for kids?

 

Snacks play a large role in your child’s diet.  Children are growing and releasing energy all day.  They need snacks in between meals to help give them the nutrients they need.  Children have a higher nutrient need than adults.  Kids need healthy snacks to help with brain development and growth. By giving them healthier foods children will learn healthy eating habits early in life.  This will benefit them in the long run. Snacks are important at school because if children are hungry they can’t focus and behave.

 

You want to try and give fruits and vegetables whenever you can.  Most children are not getting the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables.  When giving drinks to kids you want to give water, milk, seltzer or a healthy smoothie.  Try to stay away from juice and soda.

 

Juice and soda don’t provide any health benefits for kids ( or adults).  When children drink soft drinks it replaces other foods for a healthy diet. Too much sugary drinks can also have an effect on tooth decay. The best thing to do is not introduce these drinks to your kids too early.  Then they will want it more often.  If you wait till your child understands that it’s only for special times then it won’t be a problem.

 

With both my kids we didn’t give any juice for the first few years.  The first time my son had juice was at a birthday party.  We don’t even buy juice to keep in the house.  On holiday’s when we have special drinks we then allow my son to use a special cup and have a special drink like juice.  The times that he has juice are not many and far between.

 

 

Food for the Brain

• learn healthy eating habits
• Children will be able to focus better.
• Having a snack during the day helps to keep your energy levels up.
• Smart snacking helps maintain your blood sugar levels
• Healthy snacks help give children’s growing bodies important nutrients throughout the day.
• Kids need healthy snacks and nutrients for their bodies to grow and develop properly.

 

 

 

A list of healthy snacks for kids on the go 

 

1. 1. Yogurt
   2. Cheese and Crackers
   3. Cheese Sticks
   4. Raisins
   5. Cut up Fruit
   6. Muffins
   7. Pretzels
   8. Granola Bars
   9. Energy Bites
   10. Berries- blueberries, strawberries, blackberries
   11. Cereal
   12. Pepper Strips
   13. Carrots
   14. Cucumbers
   15. grape tomatoes
   16. celery
   17. tostitos scoops
   18. clementines
   19. banana
   20. Sunflower or Pumpkin Seeds
   21. roasted chickpeas—this is great cause it has a taste and crunch of a chip but is much healthier

 

 

 

Healthy After School Snacks

Now we covered on to go snacks and school snack that are healthy and still provide convenience, let’s talk after school snacks at home.  Once your children are home you can offer snacks that maybe you couldn’t give them to school or on the field.

 

The snacks listed above are all perfect to keep a large supply handy to also use at home.  In addition to those snacks, here are snacks that are better fitted for home.

 

I created a printable version of this list for you.  Download it, print it and take it with you. Healthy Kid Snacks for your next shopping trip.

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After School Snacks to buy and Enjoy

 

 

1. Nuts- peanuts, almonds.. etc
2. Trail mix
3. Apples and Peanut Butter
4. Applesauce
5. Hard-boiled Eggs
6. Avocado
7. Oatmeal
8. Lettuce Wraps
9. Vegetables and dip
10. Fruit Salad
11. Edamame
12. Pita Pockets
13. Smoothies

My kids love having a smoothie.  They think it’s a shake and it’s special.  I usually make a fruit and protein shake.  Try a bunch out and see which ones your kids like best. Here are 15 Smoothies Recipes that will be a sure-fire hit.

 

With this shopping list of healthy school snacks, you are ready for your next food shopping trip.  Skip the chips and other junk food and get these items instead.  These items are a little different than the healthy snacks for kids on the go since you are home and can have things that are messier or require more work.

 

What snack do your kids like the best?  I would love to hear more ideas.

 

PS.  Print out your Snack Shopping List here.

 

How do you get a picky eater to eat?

 

Children go through waves of eating.  This is what my Pediatrician said when my son wouldn’t eat any meat for 2 years.  He was healthy and ate, but would not eat meat.  When a child refuses to eat something, it may not be picky eating, it may be at that time they don’t like it.  Remember, your taste buds change at different times.  Keep introducing foods and one day it may change.

 

Toddlers typically go through a phrase that is looked at as “being a picky eater“.  When trying to get kids to eat there are some tips that might help you get a picky eater to eat.

 

 

 

Tips on getting a picky eater to eat

 

• Continue to reintroduce foods.  Kids saying no 1x does not mean they won’t eat it next week.
• Be patient
• Use dips.  Many children love to eat with their hands and when they can dip something it’s even better. This is how my son will eat vegetables.
• Make it fun.  Maybe put a face on a pancake (IHOP does) or use cookie cutters to make a sandwich or eggs.
• Have kids help you in the kitchen.  When kids help in the kitchen they are more likely to eat the food.  They want to eat what they just made.
• Don’t be a diner.  By making many different meals you are promoting picky eaters.

 

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