It cracks me up when my kids even try to question me why they are not allowed to take chips, fruit rollups,etc.. as a morning snack for school. Ahh, I'm looking for brain foods at this point in their day. The sad reality is that I am sure a large percentage of children might be packing these "ready to go" foods. You know the ones loaded with preservatives, coloring, fats, etc.... Have you ever seen the ingredients in a "twinky" or "cheetos"? It's all loaded with junk. My rule is: no hydrogenated oils, High fructose syrup, no perservatives, and no artificial colors or preservatives. (yes, we do break the rule occasionally, but not often) It's not that hard to "think out of the box" and give your little one a healthy alternative to those "ready to go" snacks. You might say " Johnnie, won't eat it", but my thinking is if Johnnie is hungry and he has nothing else he might just start. Here are some ideas and tips for morning snacks at school.
Snack Tips:
Have your child plan snacks with you and let them make some "healthy" choices with you. Go shopping together. If they plan with you they will be more interested in the food and look forward to their new creations.
Set aside a "snack section" in the refrigerator for the week with small Ziploc bags loaded with their morning snacks. For example: a snack size Ziploc with grapes. It's easier in the morning if it is ready.
Let them know you will be shopping for new ideas for morning snacks and they can't be high in sugar, salt or fat.
Start looking at other name brands that you typically wouldn't purchase. Such as the new organic, healthy alternatives. You be surprised how many Publix and Walmart carry.
Offer a surprise snack once a week and add a "love note". My kids love notes in their boxes.
Snack Ideas
Fruit: My kids love an apple as a snack or a banana. I have even send the kids with kiwi's and a plastic knife to peel it. A small Ziploc loaded with grapes. Keep them in the refrigerator over night and they will still be cool during snack time. Orange slices in a bag.
Dried Fruits: Here's a great link http://www.stretchislandfruit.com/
Edamame- You can buy frozen edamame at Whole Foods or in the freezer section at Publix,Walmart, and Target
Peanut Butter Tortillas: Spread some crunchy or smooth peanut butter on a tortilla,roll it tight and wrap with saran wrap. If you wish add some tiny pieces of bananas or sunflower seeds. Add a little bit of honey too.
Muffins or homemade breads. Freeze them and take them out just for snacks.
Grapes: Freeze them too
String Cheese
Clif Z Bar: These are great healthy bars. I mentioned them a couple of blogs ago for adults. Check out their organic Z bar.
Some Yummy Yogurt: Have your child go to the grocery store with you and pick out his favorite flavors. Keep it cool with a cold pack.
Granola Mixes: Mix some granola,dried fruits and some nuts. Sneak in a couple of chocolate chips for an extra treat. My kiddos love making these. I do allow some marshmallows, and some m&m's, but those come in very small portions. Make enough for about 4 days. Pre pack them in snack size bags and all you have to do is grab and go.
Last tip: Kids are usually hungry and thirsty after school. Before you take off to pick them up pack a water and a healthy snack that is car friendly and you will get lots of brownie points for this. The kids love it when I arrive with a homemade shake or a yogurt. By the time we arrive at home we are less cranky and a lot happier.
