“But I want to keep playing!”, Are these words familiar when trying to get your little one to take a break from playing to eat lunch? These snacks are quick and packed with nutrients that will help keep energy and spirits up during days full of adventure.
During long summer days, kids need snacks that are fast and filling to provide energy for all of their adventures. These 5 snacks provide vitamins, minerals, fiber, healthy fats, and are low in added sugars. These snacks are also quick to prepare, quick to eat, and keep you cool during hot summer days!
Vegetable and Hummus Dip: Sliced vegetables like carrots, peppers, celery, and cucumber provide vitamins and minerals while the hummus provides protein and fiber to keep tummy’s full and satisfied.
Fruit and Yogurt Dip: Sliced fruit such as apples, grapes, pears, or a variety of berries (blueberries, strawberries, raspberries) pair well with a yogurt dip to deliver a powerful pack of vitamins. A fruit dip recipe idea can be found here! Tip: For extra protein, use Greek yogurt for the dip.
Cherry tomatoes and Cheese: Cherry tomatoes are in season during the summer and pairing them with your favorite cheese slices or cubes makes a snack that will keep powering playtime.
Fruit and cottage cheese: Try cottage cheese as an excellent source of calcium and protein and pair it with fruits such as peaches or berries for a fast snack.
Black Bean Dip and Baked chips: Dip baked chips into a bean dip for a snack that has fiber and protein to fuel long days of play! A quick black bean dip recipe can be found here!
Enjoy these snacks at playtime, with lunch, or on the run to keep bellies full and provide plentiful nutrients to nurture kids growth and development!
About the Author: Ashly Skaley is a dietetic student and intern currently earning her MS degree in nutrition at the University of Illinois at Chicago. She has a passion for nutrition, specifically with a focus on wellness and disease prevention. Her hope is to help future clients use food to promote healthy living and optimal wellness.