One of the first things most kids say when they come home from a long day at school is, “Can I have a snack?” All that learning and play works up an appetite! Finding healthy options that nourish kids’ growing bodies without turning Mom or Dad into a short-order cook can be a challenge, though. Laurel Otey of Layered Living, a holistic wellness practice serving parents and their children, believes it is important to teach children healthy mealtime and snack habits from as young an age as possible. She encourages her own three kids to practice helping themselves with a list of parent-approved snacks that even most elementary schoolers can make with little to no assistance. Giving kids the opportunity to practice making their own snacks gives them a sense of autonomy and builds lifelong skills. Here, Laurel shares some of her favorite, nutritious, “help yourself” kids’ snacks that encourage healthy habits and self-sufficiency. Learn more about Layered Living at: layeredlivinglife.com.
Yogurt with Berries
INGREDIENTS
- Individual serving cup of Silk Vanilla Almondmilk Dairy-Free Yogurt Alternative (or your favorite dairy free or Greek yogurt)
- Fresh blueberries
- Kind Healthy Grains Granola (optional)
DIRECTIONS
Yogurt and berries make a delicious and nutritious snack for any age. If you’re using an individual serving cup, then simply open the container, throw in a handful of washed berries and dig in! You may also sprinkle a little granola on top for some added crunch. Skip the “kids’ yogurts” as these tend to have even more added sugars than the adult versions.
Veggies and Hummus
INGREDIENTS
- Sabra Roasted Pine Nut Hummus (or your favorite flavor)
- Bell peppers, carrots, and cucumber
DIRECTIONS
Slice vegetables into sticks. Kids should use a silicone knife or a parent-helper. Spoon hummus into a small bowl (or eat it out of the container). Use your veggies to scoop hummus and enjoy!
Alternately, pre-slice assorted veggies and store them in your fridge to make easy grab-and-go options. Mix it up with other vegetables, such as raw broccoli, cauliflower, green beans, and cherry tomatoes.
Avocado Toast
INGREDIENTS
- 1 slice Canyon Bakehouse Gluten Free 7-Grain Bread (or your favorite whole grain bread), toasted
- 1/2 ripe avocado, sliced
- Sea salt, to taste (optional)
DIRECTIONS
Toast bread. Be careful when removing- it’s hot! Slice avocado using a silicone kids’ knife or parent-helper. Top toast with avocado slices. Alternately, scoop avocado with a spoon and “smash” on top. Younger kids, especially, love this technique! Enjoy on its own with a little sea salt sprinkled on top.
Turkey Roll-Up
INGREDIENTS
- Applegate Naturals Oven Roasted Turkey Breast
- Sir Kensington’s Classic Mayonnaise
- Sliced bell pepper, any colors
DIRECTIONS
Spread mayonnaise on your favorite sliced sandwich meat. Slice bell peppers and line 2-3 strips across the middle of the meat. Then, roll it all up to make a breadless sandwich-style wrap.
Healthy alternates to mayonnaise include hummus, guacamole, or mustard. Pre-slice bell peppers, cucumbers, or other veggies and store them in your fridge to make easy grab-and-go additions to these roll-ups. Kids that want to practice their knife skills should use a silicone knife to prevent injuries. Some parental assistance may be needed for younger children.
Trail Mix
INGREDIENTS
- Raw or roasted nuts: cashews, pistachios, almond, pecans, cashews, Brazil nuts, walnuts
- Raw or roasted seeds: pumpkin, sunflower
- Dried fruit: plantain chips, apricots, black and/or gold raisins, shredded coconut
DIRECTIONS
Combine any assortment of nuts, seeds, and dried fruit in a small bowl or snack sized Ziplock bag. Nuts and seeds, especially, are very filling so a reasonable serving size is about a handful.
Sliced Apples with Peanut Butter
INGREDIENTS
- 1-2 Tablespoons peanut, almond, or sunflower butter
- 1 apple, sliced
DIRECTIONS
Slice 1 apple, removing the core and seeds. Scoop peanut, almond, or sunflower butter into a small bowl. Arrange apple slices around the edges of the bowl or on a separate plate. Use apple slices to scoop and enjoy!
Kids that want to practice their knife skills should use a silicone knife to prevent injuries. Some parental assistance may be needed for younger children.
