Romp n' Roll Pittsburgh Blog
Parenting is a round-the-clock job, especially the nonstop job of keeping your children fed. Growing kids need lots of food to fuel their high-energy. Thinking up healthy yet yummy snacks for them each day is a lot of pressure, so it’s easy to get caught in a rut of making the same rotation of snacks over and over again. But this could be depriving your child of a wider variety in nutrition, and cause them to be picky eaters of only a few foods. Giving them options beyond the usual goldfish crackers and cereal (though both of these are great snack options!) will benefit them both nutritionally and developmentally. Here are some of our favorite healthy snacks for toddlers and kids that are easy and fun, brought to you by your friends at Romp n' Roll.
Yogurt
Yogurt is a terrific snack for children of all ages. A source rich in protein, calcium, vitamins, and probiotics, yogurt helps to benefit the digestive system and strengthen your child’s developing bones. For older children, you can make yogurt extra exciting by adding fruit, granola, or honey. Just be sure to avoid yogurts that are high in sugar, as many that are marketed to children are.
Popcorn
Popcorn may have a reputation as junk food, but it can actually be a great nutritious snack depending on how you prepare it. Naturally a whole-grain, fiber-rich, and low-calorie food, popcorn only becomes unhealthy when it’s drenched in fatty, buttery toppings and oils. You can make a healthy version of this treat for your kids by air-popping your own popcorn or popping it on the stovetop with a small amount of healthy oil. Sprinkle some Parmesan cheese, sea salt, or cinnamon on top for some extra flavor. Only use this as a snack option for older children though, as it can turn into a choking hazard for young children.
Cheese
The high-quality protein in cheese is a great way to keep kids satisfied and energized until dinner time rolls around. It’s also a great source of calcium, Vitamin A, and healthy fats to contribute to an improved diet quality for your child. You could give them cheese on its own with cheese slices or fun string cheese, or combine it with ham or fruit for a more varied snack.
Fruit Popsicles
Store-bought popsicles are often packed with refined sugar and artificial flavors, but that doesn’t mean they have to be dismissed as an unhealthy option for your kids. Homemade frozen fruit popsicles are nutritious and easy to make, especially if your kids are old enough to want to help! All you need to do is pour a blend of fruit or berries and/or 100% fruit juice into molds and freeze overnight for a refreshing treat.
Smoothies
Like fruit popsicles, smoothies filled with fresh fruit and other ingredients high in nutrients are a great way to transform a possibly unhealthy goodie into a nutritious snack for your kids. You can even add veggies! Hidden by the sweetness of fruit and other optional additions such as honey, yogurt, or granola, your kids likely won’t even realize you’ve snuck some greens in there. There are also various ingredients and flavor combinations you can try, so you and the kids won’t get tired of them anytime soon.
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