Ideas for Healthy School Snacks

Kids love snacks!

Your child’s lunchbox does not have to include chips, candy, cookies or sodas – these are full of ‘empty calories’. They have little nutritional quality and have lots of ingredients that are actually harmful to your child’s health – sugar, salt, fat, artificial colors and additives.

You don’t have to ban these snacks altogether, but it is best as much as possible to save them for treats and special occasions like birthday parties.

Nutrition during the early years of your child’s life is essential for their future health. This is when their brains and other vital organs are developing, so it is important that everything they consume is as beneficial as possible.

It is also a good time to establish healthy habits that could last a lifetime. Make the most of the short period in your child’s life when they do not even need to know that sodas, candies, cookies or chips exist!

Good nutritional habits will ensure that your child is energetic, alert and receptive to learning. These habits minimize the chances of a child being overweight in later life, especially when combined with an active lifestyle.

A daily lunchbox should provide children with vitamins, minerals and energy.  Don’t worry – healthy snacks do not necessarily involve lengthy preparation.

Here are some ideas. Try any combination of one option from each category.

Other ideas for Category 3 could include a slice of pastelón, or pasta or rice salad in a small plastic container.

At first you may need to employ trial and error in order to find out which snacks your child prefers. Be prepared for a few uneaten returns, but persist until your child settles into a routine of eating and enjoying snacks that are both healthy and delicious.

Good luck and buen provecho!

Looking for ideas for healthy school snacks? Check these recipes:

Easy Back to School Snacks and Lunch Ideas
Colorful Rice and Quail Eggs Salads
Whole Wheat Banana Pancakes
Oatmeal and Nuts Breakfast Muffins
Baked Potato and Serrano Croquettes
Whole Wheat Pizzetta
Easy Rolls for School Snacks
Oatmeal and Milk Drink

Aunt Ilana