Kids are great, right? They remind us what it's like to slow down and appreciate the little things in life: a cupcake, a rain shower, a wrapped gift. And then there are those times (tantrums over what's for breakfast, fights over favorite toys and arguments about why bathing is important) when you look longingly back on your pre-kid life and wish you had appreciated the freedom. Since the kids are here to stay (and who are you kidding, you'd be bored without them), you might as well embrace this season of life, right?
Providing healthy meals and snacks can be one of those challenging times. You're faced with the task of sending your kids off to school, sports practices and everything in between armed with snacks to get them by until the next meal. Processed, pre-packaged snacks shout out from every grocery store shelf, but one look at the ingredient list sends you running down the aisle.
With a little planning and even less elbow grease you can arm your kids with healthy, homemade snacks that travel wherever your brood may go. The best news of all is that most of these recipes require very little preparation, fitting into your already hectic schedule perfectly.
Trail Mix
Trail mix is a perfect carry-on snack. Just mix your choice of the following ingredients in a large bowl, then fill resealable plastic bags. You can even add, take away, or get creative with ingredients!
- Dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, dates, pineapples, cherries)
- Nuts (almonds, peanuts, cashews, pistachios, walnuts, sunflower seeds)
- Coconut shavings
- Popcorn
- Cereal (o-shaped, flakes, whatever your children like)
- Pretzels (round pretzels mix the best)
- Chocolate (mini chocolate chips or candy-coated pieces)
Trail mix is fun because you can make different mixes for different tastes. Pack a sweet mix, a tangy mix, and a savory mix to entertain your taste buds when you're on the road.
Cereal Necklace
For younger kiddos, your days of cereal spilled all over the car are over. Just grab a piece of yarn (the smoother the better) and string with your child's favorite o-shaped cereal. Secure with a knot and store in a resealable plastic bag until your little one is hungry.
Whole Wheat Wrap
Whole wheat tortillas provide the base for a delicious and nutritious, portable snack. Begin with one tortilla, then layer with whatever you'd like. Roll and cut into bite size pieces before storing in an airtight container. Here are som examples that are on the slightly healthier side.
- Peanut butter and banana
- Cream cheese, ham (or other meat) and pickle
- Hummus, shredded carrot, diced cucumber (or other veggies)
Pita Pockets
Pita pockets are a convenient option that can be stuffed with whatever wholesome ingredients you have on hand. Your choices are only limited to your little ones' preferences.
- Peanut butter and jelly (or try banana or apple slices)
- Hummus and thinly sliced veggies
- Lunch meat, pickles, lettuce and cheese
- Tuna, celery and pickles
Homemade Granola Bars
Granola bars could easily come in first in a snack race for portability and yumminess alone. A glance at the ingredients of these store bought favorites quickly reveal too many sugars and preservatives. The solution? Make your own! Just mix the following ingredients together, press into a parchment-lined pan, place in the fridge for an hour or so, then cut and package.
- 1 cup dates (pitted and diced in a food processor)
- 1/4 cup honey (heated on stovetop)
- 1/4 cup peanut butter (heated with the honey)
- 1 cup chopped almonds
- 1 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips, dried fruit (optional)
Plan on spending a day every week or two preparing your snacks so that when your kids need them, they can grab and go. They also make great road trip/travel treats! Many of the recipes are easy enough to enlist your kids as sous-chefs, making it a fun opportunity for learning, bonding and snacking all rolled into one.
Image Credits:
Peanut Butter Granola Bars by Jeffrey W.
Peanut Butter Banana Wrap by Personal Creations
Cereal Necklace by 190.Arch
Kindergarten Bento by Wendy Copley
Homemade Granola Bars by Tonya Staab
