Snacks are an essential part of a child’s daily food intake, especially in the summertime when their days are often packed with activities and play. In fact, a solid snack can provide a midday energy boost to fuel their tiny bodies for fun stuff like summer camp, imaginative games and cardiovascular exercise. And while summer days might not be as structured as school days, there are still big benefits to offering kids a variety of foods from different categories. <\/p>
Here, experts share some of the most beneficial summer snacks for kids and delve into a variety of recipes that are sure to please every palate and keep kids full until dinner.<\/p>
Whether you’re perusing the grocery aisles or your own pantry, here’s what to look for when it comes to summer snacks for kids. <\/p>
Consider the weather during summer. As temperatures rise, outdoor activities<\/a> put kids at risk for overheating, dehydration<\/a> and exhaustion. So it’s important to incorporate snacks that are not only nutritious but also hydrating.<\/p> “We can meet our hydration needs not only with beverages but also food,” says Rebecca Toutant, registered dietician, certified diabetes care and education specialist and personal trainer. “Any liquid we bring into the body counts. That could be water, milk, plant-based drinks, fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables.”<\/p> “Kids tend to be “on-the-go” munchers, rather than big meal noshers, so it’s important their snack foods provide the nourishment they need. They are also growing so rapidly in childhood years that their body needs the extra nutrition to fuel that growth,” says board-certified nutritionist Lahana Vigliano<\/a>. “The best snacks are the snacks that have a little bit of each macro group. Having a carb, protein and fat in a snack will ensure that your kiddo is feeling satisfied after it and not running back to the pantry for more!”<\/p> Registered dietician Jessica Jaeger agrees that kids’ snacks should contain a combination of macronutrients. “Ideally, each will have a combination of carbs, fats, protein and fiber for sustained appetite, energy and blood sugar regulation,” says Jaeger. “For example, offering hummus, pretzels and baby carrots is preferable over offering just pretzels since the simple carbohydrates in the pretzels will not provide long-lasting energy on their own.” <\/p> And while kids may think that a homemade snack is a lot less fun than a packaged one, parents can show them that a snack made in their very own kitchen can be just as good. One way to get the kids excited about healthy snacks is to take them shopping with you. <\/p> A few trips around the produce section can help them identify their favorite fruits and vegetables. Take it a step further and visit the farmer’s market where vendors are more than happy to let kids test out potential favorites. <\/p> Getting kids involved in snack-making — anything from following a recipe together to letting them stir in the ingredients — helps kids take ownership in their snack, too. If they make it, they might be more willing to eat it. <\/p> Here are 11 summertime snacks for kids that are sure to keep them happy, hydrated and filled with energy. <\/p>Choose foods with nutritional mileage<\/h3>
Bring in the fresh stuff<\/h3>
Summer snack ideas and recipes kids will love<\/h2>
1. Homemade frozen banana “nice” cream<\/h3>