Let’s face it… being a mom isn’t easy. Every day we do our best to be strong role models, offer guidance and help our kids establish good eating habits.
I’m on a mission this year to make more nutritious snacking choices for myself and encourage my children to do the same. Of course, life is busy and complicated so I’ve come up with 10 simple, energy-packed snack ideas that will be a hit in your household with both kids and adults alike.
1. Create a nutritious snack zone
Place a clear storage container in the refrigerator and fill it with wholesome snack options such as yogurt, fruit, veggies, low-fat cheese sticks, snack bars and more. Let your kids choose their snack from the bin after school each day.
2. Turkey and cheese roll-ups
A totally protein-packed pick-me-up that is so easy the kids can make it themselves. Simply unwrap a low-fat string cheese and wrap it with a slice of turkey. Delicious!
3. Yogurt parfait “sundaes”
A kid-tested and parent approved snack that will fill their bodies with calcium, fruit and whole grains. Layer Greek (or regular) yogurt in a clear cup with granola and seasonal fruit for a sweet treat that is sure to please any day of the week.
4. No-bake energy bites
Moms can make these simple, no-bake bites on the weekend and keep them in the refrigerator all week for easy snacking. Combine 1 cup dry oats, 2/3 cup shredded coconut, 1/2 cup peanut butter, 1/3 cup honey, 1 Tablespoon vanilla extract and 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional) in a bowl and mix completely. Chill and roll into 1-inch balls. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
5. Baked sweet potato chips
Sweet potatoes pack a nutritional punch! These easy baked chips will have the kids thinking they are getting a treat while mom feels good about their smart snack choice. Simply peel sweet potatoes and cut into very thin slices. Drizzle with olive oil and bake in a 400 degree oven for 15 to 20 minutes or until crispy. Salt to taste.
6. Nutritious snack bars
I love the convenience of packaged snacks but am picky about ingredients. My new “go-to” is Perfectly Simple bars by ZonePerfect that combine simple, wholesome ingredients in a tasty, on-the-go treat. They each have less than 200 calories and are gluten-free. A great snack to grab on your way out the door so you can get back to your busy day.
7. Hummus cups with veggies
An easy grab and go snack your kids can eat on the way to soccer practice or to add brain power before homework. Fill a plastic container with hummus and fresh veggies. Crispy, crunchy and satisfying!
8. Frozen yogurt bananas
A fan favorite for both kids and adults since they are getting a frozen treat that is packed with nutrients and calcium. To make, dip frozen banana pieces in vanilla Greek yogurt and store in the freezer.
9. Veggie pinwheels
Take a whole wheat tortilla, spread with light veggie cream cheese and add thinly sliced vegetables like cucumbers and carrots. Roll it up and slice into pinwheels.
10. Protein muffins
These power packed muffins will fill your little athlete’s belly until dinner and mom can make them in minutes. Coat a muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray, line each cup with a thin slice of lean turkey, add 1 tablespoon of salsa and 3 tablespoons of liquid egg (or egg whites). Bake for 12 minutes at 400 degrees and top each with a small amount of cheese.
This post is part of a sponsored collaboration between Perfectly Simple bars by ZonePerfect and SheKnows
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