Munching on something in between meals doesn’t have to be bad for you as long as your reach for healthy snacks. If you notice, staying idle or boredom sometimes tends to exacerbate (bad) snacking habits, which can lead not only to an unhealthy lifestyle, but also a wealth of health problems.
Thankfully, there are a number of healthy snacks you can eat. Whether you are working from home and need something salty to get you out of that midday slump or simply have long weeks where you want something sweet, there are snacks to cater to your every need.
While “healthy snacks” might not be the most appealing to you and your kids, you might be surprised at how delicious and accessible they actually are. Below is a list of snacks that are not only healthy, but also delectable – perfect for kids and kids at heart. Take a look.
Healthy Snacks the Whole Family Will Love
Yogurt
Yogurt is a great snack food for kids and adults alike because it’s a rich source of protein and calcium. As you might know, calcium is essential for kids’ bones and their overall physical development.
This probiotic food also contains live bacteria which help the digestive system to ease the effects of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and improve gut health. The great thing about yogurt is that it already comes in a variety of flavors, making it appealing for the whole family.
While it’s good on its own and can be jazzed up with fresh fruit or honey, you can also add granola and other toppings. However, for a fun and refreshing treat on a hot day, you can easily pour yogurt into molds and pop them in the freezer for some yogurt popsicles. Yum.
Popcorn
Popcorn often gets a bad reputation, particularly when it is lumped with other unhealthy food such as potato chips. While this may be considered by many individuals as a type of junk food, popcorn is actually a healthy and nutritious whole grain. It has vitamins B1, B3, B6, iron, zinc, and magnesium.
Nutritiously, popcorn can be pretty healthy and safe provided you pop your own popcorn in your home or purchase similar alternatives, eating this snack in moderation is fine. This can be dressed up (or down) depending on your liking, such as adding some butter, grated Parmesan cheese, and even some truffle oil.
Fruits and Vegetables
If you want to go the truly healthy way, what better way to start than by eating your fruits and veggies, right? Introduce these types of food to your children and the whole family so they can start appreciating the fresh, fruity, and sweet taste that these products give.
Apples and pears are good to eat on their own, but you can also pair these with some nut butters like almond butter or peanut butter.
For picnics or even a hot afternoon, a light and refreshing veggie sticks such as carrot and celery will do the trick. Just make sure to serve these with some dips on the side or even put some peanut butter and raisins on chocolate chips on celery sticks for some good old ants on a log creation.
Cheese and Crackers
Think cheese and crackers are just for adults? Think again. You can include the whole family when you make a cheese platter, especially with kid- and family-friendly cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, and Havarti will work, too. Even string cheese is a good option.
Serve this with some fun-shaped crackers such as Teddy Grahams and maybe some apple juice and you’re good to go.
Nuts, Trail Mix, and Granola Bars
Nuts, trail mix, and granola bars are filled with healthy fats and essential fiber. These are great for the whole family not just because it’s healthy, but also because it also packs in a lot of flavor. It’s good to eat on its own, but even better when topped on yogurt.
Bear in mind that these are suitable options to serve provided your child or another family member is not allergic to nuts. There are numerous options to choose from including those that contain bits of chocolate.
The Bottom Line
With these healthy snacks to choose from, you can finally say goodbye to junk food and say hello to better choices. Try these tips and food ideas for a smart snacking and you will certainly toss all your bad food choices down the drain.
