Back to School Snacks

I recently went to a back to school picnic with my son who is starting kindergarten this year. He was excited to meet his new friends and hesitant to talk to his teacher, which I guess a lot of kids are like. The teachers discussed what their first day of school would be like and then the subsequent days that followed. I listened intently afraid that I would be that mom that missed something and brought the wrong item into school (I guess even parents have first day jitters). Once the word snack came up I immediately started racking my brain for healthy snacks that I could pack my son for school and not only did he need one for lunch but he also needed one for an afternoon snack.

The second dilemma came when I thought of some of the snacks he would like to brings (chips, pretzels, popcorn) and the snacks that I had in mind for him. Not to say he gets these daily but I am worried that he will see other kids eating them and wonder why he is not having them. Bottom line I want him to get healthy snacks most days and the occasional treat would be ok.

Since I had to wrack my brain for healthy snack food, I thought why not share them with you.

I would love to make everything fresh for my kids, and never by anything processed. But I am a realist and know that this just is not possibly all the time. It than comes down to what are the best options that I am now buying for my kids.

Healthy Snacks For School

Trail Mix- walnuts, cashews, craisins, raisins, dried fruits, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds. I would avoid the M&Ms and chocolate add ons.

Peanut butter Protein Bites-

Roasted Chickpeas

Hummus and Vegetables- whether you make your own hummus or by it at the store this snack is packed with both fiber and protein to help fill your little ones tummy.

Babybel Cheese

String Cheese

Air Popped Popcorn

Freeze Dried Fruit- Look for no sugar added

Fruit- Grapes, apple, orange, pears, strawberries, pineapple, blueberries. Any natural fruit will do

Peanut Butter and Apple

Unsweetened Applesauce

Ants on a log- Celery stick with peanut butter and raisins on top

Healthy granola bar- A granola bar can be a trap when it comes to healthy eating. Some are more like having a cookie or candy. Opt for ones with lower sugar, more fiber. Read the ingredient label and choose one that has less than 2 sugar sources.