Yogurt and Fruit Pile-Ups
Pack a container of yogurt with berries (look for fresh or frozen blueberries, raspberries or strawberries) and granola or their favorite crunchy cereal in individual, reusable containers. Also, put in a cup and spoon and have them layer the different the yogurt, fruit and granola in their cup or maybe they just want to mix it all together.
The possibilities for snacks are endless! Be creative, ask your children for their input and make preparing snacks a fun activity for you and your children. Use this time together to talk, share stories, solve problems or simply be together.
Let Kids Build Their Own Snacks
Pack celery sticks or pretzel logs, peanut butter or low-fat cream cheese, or even hummus and raisins, and have them make "ants on a log."
Kids also love to make crunchy fruit dippers. They'll need cut-up fruit (slices of apple, orange, banana, peach, plum, strawberries or grapes) and a container of yogurt. Try low-fat Stonyfield Farm, Dannon All-Natural, Brown Cow or other natural yogurt varieties.
Don't forget the spoon and fork. Fill a small reusable container or plastic bag with your child's favorite cereal. Flax seed, wheat germ, low-fat granola, oatmeal or sunflower seeds are also great options.
These suggestions provide not only additional nutrients but also crunch, which most children love. Show children how to spear a piece of fruit with their fork (hands also work well but it can be quite messy), dip it in the yogurt and then dunk it in a crispy topping. This is a delicious and creative snack that the whole family can enjoy.
More: 5 Steps to Eating Healthier as a Family
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