Snacks are one of the essential food components incorporated in the diets of children. The number of calories that children consumed from snacks rose by 120 calories daily between the year 1977 and 1996. It is essential for caregivers, teachers, parents and even program directors to know how to serve healthy beverages and snacks to the children enrolled in school programs, soccer games, and the general classroom. Here are some to consider.
Dried Fruits
Dried fruits can serve as healthy snacks for children. Some that can be tried include cranberries, apples, apricots, papaya, pineapple and other fruits with minimal or no artificial sugars.
Unsweetened Applesauce
The major advantage of this snack is that it is not only low-cost, but it also has a long shelf life. Applesauce is also healthy when canned in light syrup or juice. Unsweetened applesauce may include Mott’s Healthy Harvest line and Mott’s Natural Style. A variety of single-serve fruit bowls are also offered by Del Monte and Dole.
Frozen Fruit
Frozen fruits can also serve as healthy snacks for children. Some of the fruits that can be frozen include strawberries, blueberries, mangoes, melon and peaches.
Salad
A salad made of veggies can be set out to form a salad bar. It is also advisable to encourage children to make salads on their own using preferred vegetables.
Veggie Pockets
Veggie pockets can be made by cutting pitas made of whole wheat and letting the children add vegetables with hummus or dressing.
Crackers
Some of the healthy ones include those made of whole grains and are thin crisps with a wide range of flavors. Such crackers can either be served alone or served with additional toppings such as peanut butter or low-fat cheese.
Leave A Comment