After the relaxed pace of summer, fall can seem like a whirlwind. Between school, homework and after-school activities, making sure your family eats well can quickly take a backseat.
One way to ensure they’re getting the nutrients they need: offer plenty of healthy snack options. Fortunately, nutritious snacks are easy to provide. Try these tips:
Keep fresh fruit and vegetables in the house at all times. Put them in an easy-to-grab place. Even better, cut them up and package in grab-and-go, portioned containers. Pro tip: Hand kids a small bowl of cut up carrots and celery while they’re watching TV. They’ll mindlessly chow them down.
Add easy dairy or protein options. Think “ants on a log” (celery with peanut butter and raisins) or mix fruit into low-sugar yogurt.
Make nutrition-rich smoothies. These are a kid fave. Keep frozen fruit on hand to toss in the blender. Add yogurt, unsweetened juice, leafy greens or nut meal, and you’ve got a tasty treat that packs a nutritional punch.
Keep hummus or guacamole on hand. They’re an easy dip for fresh vegetables like carrots, cucumbers, zucchini and peppers. Hummus is made from chickpeas, a superstar when it comes to protein. Guacamole provides a heart-healthy fat.
Combine cheese and whole grains. Cheese and whole grain crackers, tortillas with melted cheese (add black beans for protein) or cheese and tomato sandwiches are great options.
Pop your own corn. Forget microwave packages that are loaded with fat and sodium. Get an air or stovetop popper so you can add only things you want like dried fruit, nuts or healthy (and limited) amounts of butter, salt or parmesan.
Make a mini pizza with a whole-wheat English muffin. Top with leftover spaghetti sauce, shredded cheese and veggies. Heat in the toaster oven and you’re good to go.
Want more ideas for healthy snacking? Go to myplate.gov/tip-sheet/healthy-snacking-myplate to learn more.