School resumes in just a few weeks for many kiddos. I’m here again with tips on healthy eating for back to school. We’ve covered breakfast and lunch but one of the biggest questions is what to pack for snacks? Some of my favorite go-to snacks are:
- Graham crackers or Goldfish (made with whole grain)
- Protein bars (Clif Kid Z Bar Protein or Kind Kids Chewy Bars)
- Dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, mango)
- Fruit strips (HEB Brand)
- Dry cereal (Cheerios or Rice/Wheat/Corn Chex)
- Rice Cakes (Quaker)
- Applesauce, Jell-O, or pudding (unsweetened/sugar-free)
- Whole wheat crackers (Triscuits or Wheat Thins)
- Popcorn (Smart Food or Skinny Pop)
- Roasted seaweed or kale chips
- Apple slices or a banana with peanut butter
- A handful of grapes, almonds, and cubed turkey pieces
- Sliced strawberries and Jarlsberg cubed Swiss cheese
- A slice of Borden Fat Free American cheese wrapped around smoked turkey slices
- Raw celery, carrots, broccoli, and bell peppers with hummus, ranch dip, or Tzatziki sauce
- Yogurt (Two Good or Stonyfield Organics Yogurt Tubes)
- Cottage Cheese (Good Culture)
- String cheese
It is also helpful to have a snack section at home, like a pantry shelf, dedicated to dry goods and a drawer in the refrigerator to keep cold items. You should wash and chop fruits and vegetables when you are the least busy, so that they are ready to go when your little ones are hungry. Having these items in plain sight makes it easy to grab on the way out the door or once the kids get home from school.
Written by Victoria Luera, Lone Star Circle of Care Registered Dietitian. Submitted by Ashley Wild
