Now that summer is here and the nights are longer your little ones after school schedules are bound to be over flowing.
Rushing between all of their co curricular activities means they have little time to refuel their bodies and often end up snacking on processed, packaged foods simply because they’re easy. But eating healthy doesn’t have to be time consuming and it can be super tasty!
Struggling to think of some snacks that can give your child an extra energy boost?
Here are a few super simple ideas you might want to try out.
1. Carrot sticks and hummus
As well as being super refreshing, this light snack is full of goodness that your children can easily snack on in the car. It’s also a great alternative to corn chips and dip and is low in calories. Simply chop up a carrot or two into finger sized pieces and scoop out about 2 tablespoons of hummus dip. A benefit from this super food snack is that it’s high in fibre, which means your little one won’t go hungry for a while.
2. Apple dippers
Fruit is a perfect snack that contains enough natural sugar to give kids an energy boost without all the nasty additives. But fruit can seem rather unappealing and boring to some youngsters, so you may want to try making apple dippers! Simply cut up 1 apple into wedge pieces, dip one end into nut butter (preferably unsalted) and then roll it into crushed almonds. Stick a toothpick in the middle and keep them in a plastic container. With the added nutritional benefit of nuts this creative little snack idea is sure to make fruit seem a little more interesting!
3. Club sandwich
Sandwiches are the best way to fill your little ones tums, but if they’re out and about being active you may want to put down the spreads and fill it with something that’s going to be a little more nourishing. A refreshing and delicious idea is cucumber and tuna! Pack a small amount of either between two slices of wholemeal bread and cut into four small triangles. This will be sure to give them an energy boost and will keep them satisfied for longer.
4. Cashew, Date and cacao bliiss
Are your little ones always craving something sweet but you don’t want to give in and let them snack on junk food? We spoke to Jessica Donovan, a mother and health food blogger, who shared with us one of her go to recipes that will take you no time in the kitchen, and that is super easy for the kids to munch on between activities.
Keeping children's energy levels balanced is critical, that’s why Jessica’s super yummy and healthy snack idea is the perfect compromise of naturally sweet goodness.
1 cup cashews (or use pumpkin seeds to make nut free)
4-6 dates
¼ cup chia seeds
½ cup coconut
1 tablespoon raw cacao
1 tablespoon coconut oil
1 t vanilla extract
Method: Blend all ingredients in a high speed blender or food processor and roll into balls. Add a little water if the mixture needs to be wetter. Set in fridge for at least an hour. You can shop all ingredients by hand if you don’t have the appropriate equipment.
For more inspiration on healthy recipe ideas you can find Jessica on her many social media accounts; www.facebook.com/energeticmama , www.instagram.com/energeticmama, www.pinterest.com/energeticmama.
Making sure your little ones are filled with the right form of fuel is important, not only are these recipes super healthy they are also delicious and are super easy to eat on the run!
As well as eating nutritious snacks, your children’s energy levels are determined by a good night's sleep to ensure they have enough rest to function the next day. That means investing in quality kids furniture, such as a comfy kids bed, that will give your little one the best night's sleep possible.
