Healthy Kids Snacks

Quick Fixes for Hungry Youngsters

When kids are hungry, they get antsy, cranky or lethargic. That means waiting for the next meal is simply not an option. However, stuffing them with chips, cookies and other empty calories hardly feels right. Fortunately, there are other easy ways to satisfy.

Veg out. Sure you can go with a simple plate of raw carrots and celery sticks, but don’t stop there. Dice up a few root vegetables like sweet potatoes or parsnip and toss with a little butter or olive oil, then roast them in a 400°F oven until their brown and tender and sprinkle with salt just before munching.

Take a dip. If chips are a must, slip something healthy into the mix by offering a creamy dip on the side. Blend cooked spinach with sour cream and warmed cream cheese to make a classic spinach dip to go with potato chips. Puree chick peas with olive oil, garlic and lemon juice to make your own hummus for pita chips. Layer refried pintos, salsa, and sour cream to go with their favorite tortilla chips.

Pizza-fy on the fly. Spread pizza sauce on tortillas, English muffins or mini bagels and top with grated cheese. Toast them in the toaster oven and they’re ready in minutes. Give the kids a choice of their favorite toppings from diced ham and pineapple to pepperoni and sliced olives. The only thing kids love more than pizza is preparing it by themselves.

Roll with it. Cut your favorite cheese sticks lengthwise in half. Roll up each piece in a blanket of sliced turkey, ham, salami or another deli meat. For a sweet, juicy option, try wrapping cubes of honeydew melon in thin slices of ham.

Go with the grain. Make mini PB&Js or grilled ham and cheese on whole grain breads. Cut them into little sticks or fun shapes using cookie cutters.

Stick it to 'em. Skewer together pieces of fresh fruit on toothpicks, wooden skewers or straws. Use colorful, soft fruit like cantaloupe, strawberries, watermelon and kiwi and kids will enjoy making their own crazy concoctions.

Carve your own trail. Set out bowls of dried fruits, nuts, cereals and some chocolate chips. Give each kid a sealable baggie and encourage them to create their own trail mix for a little extra energy-on-the-go.