10 Great Energy Snacks for You and Your Kids!
Written By: The Nutrition Twins
http://www.nutritiontwins.com/twins/
Our clients always ask us how they can keep their energy levels high. We tell them that one of the best things that they can do to prevent their energy levels from dipping is to have a healthy snack. In fact, snacking is so important not only when it comes to having plenty of energy, but it also can play a big role in weight control by staving off hunger, and by helping to avoid overeating at mealtime. But it’s important to be savvy about your between meal nibbles and to make sure you are choosing the right combination of foods to stay satisfied. If you are looking for a great snack, think about combining fiber-rich carbohydrates (like whole grains, fruits and vegetables) and protein (like nonfat and low-fat dairy products, beans, nuts/ nut butters and lean meats). The fiber-rich carbohydrates are your energy source—they provide your brain and muscles with fuel. The lean proteins are satisfying. They create a more gradual digestion and extend the energy boost of the faster-digesting carbohydrates. The carbohydrate/ protein combination will keep your energy high and on even-keel, without energy crashes. The combination will also help to fight off sweet cravings and you’ll feel more in control so that you can make the right choices when you sit down for your next meal. We know it works for both of us every time! Experiment with ten healthy, and kid-friendly, and easy to eat snack ideas!
1. Sliced apple with one tablespoon of peanut butter
2. A piece of fruit and a low-fat cheese stick or a hard-boiled egg (An apple with a low-fat string cheese is one of Tammy’s favorites!)
3. 3 cups air-popped popcorn (optional: sprinkle with 1 tablespoon grated cheese or garlic powder or paprika or with a tablespoon of slivered almonds. A sprinkle of cinnamon also adds a unique twist!)
4. A half cup of non-fat cottage cheese or ¾ cup nonfat Greek Yogurt and fruit (ideas: 2 pineapple slices, 3/4 cup berries, melon or a sliced apple, kiwi or pear) (A nonfat plain yogurt with strawberries in it is one of Lyssie’s favorites!)
5. Fresh vegetables (carrot sticks, cucumber slices, cherry tomatoes) dipped in non-fat Greek yogurt (try mixing the yogurt with chives and garlic powder) or in hummus
6. A sliced banana dipped in non-fat yogurt
7. Small, whole wheat tortilla with a slice of low fat cheese wrapped around a carrot or cucumber
8. Celery sticks with one tablespoon peanut butter (As an alternative, spread the peanut butter in the celery alley and top with shredded carrots or with raisins)
9. Mini Turkey Pinwheel: One-half a low-fat whole wheat tortilla rolled around low-sodium turkey breast, lettuce, tomato and mustard
10. One- half of a whole-wheat English muffin toasted with tomato sauce and non-fat mozzarella cheese (just like a mini pizza!)
Note: If you or your child has nut allergies or your kid attends a “nut-free” school, try replacing peanut butter with soy butter or sunflower nut butter
Image Credits:
http://images.glam.com/glampress/family/healthy_habits_kids/healthykidsapples.jpg
http://www.zunal.com/myaccount/uploads/eating_healthy1.jpg
I wish my kids would eat half of these as snacks, I would happily prepare them!
LOL! THey would if there was nothing else to eat hehehe. Seriously, I have found since our kid’s choices are healthy item 1 or healthy item 2 – they end up with something good for them either way
I dunno – just the way it works for us…every family is different though!