Children who are still developing tend to get hungry between meals. So, naturally, youโd want to give them a snack to keep them satiated. However, a lot of packaged snacks are very unhealthy. They often contain things like artificial ingredients, refined flour and an abundance of sugar.
Snack time is a fantastic way to add extra nutrients into your childโs diet. However, what do you do when your child wants something other than fruit or vegetables?
Rather than giving your child processed foods, you need to look for sugar free snacks and whole foods that provide extra nutrition and energy without all of the extra fat, sugar, and calories.
Sweet and Tangy
Produce is often presented as some side dish you have to eat to be healthy, the truth is that around the world kids eat produce just fine. Itโs not showcased as a salad or punishment but as a treat. You can slice tomato and cucumbers and squeeze lime and salt for a savory snack. If your kids like hot Cheetos you can add Tajin lemon-chile powder for an extra kick. You can do this to jicamas, oranges, pineapple. You can prepare them in baggies. For an easier toddler-friendly version try cutting grape tomatoes and adding lime and salt. Youโll be surprised at how the sweet tomato mixes with the lime juice for a refreshing summer sugar free snack.ย
Yogurt
One of the best snacks to give children is yogurt due to all of the calcium and protein it contains. Calcium is an essential nutrient for your childโs growing bones. Most yogurt contains live bacteria that benefit their digestive system. However, a majority of yogurt has a lot of sugar, which can lead to you needing instead of requiring pediatric dental care services. Ward off cavities by choosing plain, low-fat or greek yogurt topped with fruit or honey. This way theyโll get protein and get full without spoiling dinner.ย It’s the perfect sugar free snack!
Nuts
This snack may seem a little unorthodox, but nuts are actually very healthy. They are rich in fiber, antioxidants and healthy fats. Dietary fat is essential for supporting your childโs growth. If youโre sure your child doesnโt have a nut allergy, you can prepare snack bags of trail mix containing heart-healthy nuts like almonds. Just make sure not to add too many! This is a sugar free snack most kids will enjoy helping you make too!
Oatmeal
Oatmeal can be considered a wild card because not only is it a great breakfast, itโs also a healthy snack. The oats are rich in fiber, which increases the number of good bacteria within your childโs digestive tract. This does not include those flavored packets. These contain a load of sugar. Make your own oatmeal using whole oats instead. Add some milk instead of water to increase the nutritional benefits.
With so many cheap snacks on the market, it can be tough discerning which are or are not okay to eat. In addition to fresh fruit and veggies, always take a moment to read the back of the package. If you canโt pronounce the ingredients, you should be eating it, nor should your children.
There are obviously more than 4 sugar free snacks your kids will love that don’t come in a package, but those are my favorites. Share your favorites in the comments below!
