Snacks are an essential part of your kid’s everyday life! From school to extracurricular activities to nighttime, snacks are always a part of the picture. Have you ever wondered why sometimes your kid might ask for what seems like 100 snacks in a day? When we give our kids snacks throughout the day that aren’t as filling and nutritious, they will continue to be hungry and ask for more. Healthy, nutritious, and filling snack options are crucial to a child’s growth and development. Let’s dive into some of the ways that you can make packing snacks easy, healthy, and fun for your little ones!
Step 1: Pack foods they like! Even if their first choice of snack isn’t the healthiest, it is still important to include! Make sure to balance it out with something nutritious like veggies, fruit, cheese, yogurt, whole grains, or nuts/seeds!
Step 2: Make it affordable! Don’t overpack snacks or go for the most expensive packaged items in the store! Think of simple combinations and choose some whole food items that you already have around the house when possible. This will help avoid extra waste and food spoilage.
Step 3: Don’t worry about variety! You don’t need a variety of different items every single day. Buy what makes sense and pack reliable options that they are familiar with. Change up the fruit, vegetable, and protein options every few days or week!
Step 4: Focus on the appeal! Make the snacks appealing and colorful. Divide snacks by using a bento box, cupcake liners, or small clear containers. Make shapes out of food and allow them to be bite-size, so they are easy to eat items on-the-go.
You now have the tools to pack successful snacks for your kids! Go in with confidence and remember that you know your kid best. If you have the time, you can even allow them to help prepare and pack some easy snacks with you at home!