12 quick and healthy snacks for kids

Snacks are a must in a child's day. My kids are always asking for snacks, even as soon as 20 minutes after having a meal! And, if I'm not prepared at home or on the go, I end up giving them junk food, knowing it's not the best choice. So, I decided to put together a healthy snack list to keep it handy and make it easier when I need it. It has worked so well, that I'm sharing it with you. I suggest you print it and hang on your fridge! Here you can download the chart.
Foto: Dariela Cruz

1. Pita wedges with hummus: Bring the hummus separate so they can dip or make them ahead with the hummus inside the pita.
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2. Carrot sticks, cherry tomatoes and broccoli: With some guacamole or other type of dip.
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3. Granola bars: There are plenty of choices, be careful to read the labels and choose the healthy kind.
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4. Apple slices with peanut butter: This is one of my favorite snacks. Kids love to have a little bowl with the peanut butter to dip in.
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5. Fruit, fruit, fruit! Fill little containers with fruits or mix several fruits in one container, kids love this! Depending on the season, I suggest: grapes, strawberries, apples, oranges, bananas, mangoes, nectarines and pineapple. Tip: take toothpicks for them to grab the fruit! (this is for older children)
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6. Crackers with spreadable cheese wedges: They LOVE to get their own little wedge of cheese and spread it on their cracker. They also love to have the little crackers served with the cheese and just grab them.
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7. String cheese: This is an all time favorite and so easy to have on hand.
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8. Applesauce: Also an all time favorite and easy to take, but don't forget the spoon or opt for the squeezable version.
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9. Animal crackers: I think having some sweets is necessary. Kids just love cookies, and animal crackers have a good healthy amount of sweetness.
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10. Cereal: Forget about the milk, place them in a little snack bowl and make sure to have a cereal that has a good amount of whole grains, fibers, is low in sugar and free of artificial colors and flavors.
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11. Quesadillas: Sometimes I do a dinner of quesadillas but, it can be a great snack. Kids love it.
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12. Yogurt: I get the little containers, the squeezable long ones and the ones with granola or nuts on top. Yogurt is a never- fail snack and it's very versatile.
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Try not to buy junk food to keep around the house. Sometimes we do eat cake, cookies and sweets but, they become very special because we don't have them around and it is not for every day. I try not to let them eat snacks all over the house, because they won't give the food its value or they might eat much more than they need to. Most of the time I give them a little bowl with their snacks and sit them at their little table. They love this and feel special! Do you have more snacks suggestions? Share them and add to this list!
Foto: Terra