Snacks are an essential part of a child’s diet and serving nutritious snacks is important for overall growth and development. A healthy diet also impacts a child’s ability to focus and learn. Snacks should include essential nutrients. Limit foods with simple sugars and refined carbohydrates, and avoid trans fats and fried foods. Offering your child healthy snacks will support lifelong healthy eating habits.

Here are some healthy snack ideas that most children enjoy:

Cut up seasonal vegetables and pack them with a healthy dip on the side – Carrot sticks, Celery sticks, Cauliflower, Broccoli, Yellow summer squash slices, Peppers (green, red, or yellow), Snap Peas, Snow Peas, String Beans, Cherry tomatoes, Zucchini slices

Healthy Dips: Lo- fat, plain organic yogurt with herbs of choice, hummus, black beans and salsa

Other healthy snacks:

• Low fat yogurt topped with fresh berries
• Mini sandwiches using whole wheat bread, sliced turkey, avocado, nut butter or fresh low-fat cheese or goat cheese with herbs
• Whole wheat mini pita bread with hummus and vegetables (veggie pockets)
• Handful of nuts with raisins, dried berries or trail mix
• Mini or half brown rice cake with almond butter
• Sliced apple with side of hazelnut butter
• Fresh whole fruits and low-fat milk
• Cut up fruit, fruit salad with sliced almond and pumpkin seeds
• Granola bar
• Smoothie: Low-fat yogurt shake with fresh fruit
• Celery sticks filled with hummus
• And don’t forget fresh clean water!