Because their bodies are growing, children need to get enough calories each day to allow them to build more tissue. The typical child’s stomach is too small to handle large meals, which can lead to them being unable to get enough proteins, fats and carbohydrates each day. Healthy snacks provide extra energy and can also provide essential vitamins and nutrients to fuel the developing body. Most children need two to three healthy snacks each day in addition to three meals. 

 Keep junk food out of the house – I always try to keep the plenty of fast and easy healthy snacks on hand – your child won’t clamor for cookies, candy bars or chips if you don’t have them.  And always set a good example by choosing healthy snacks yourself.

Great Snacks to keep on hand:

Whole wheat pita (have kids tear them into easy to dip pieces) & Hummus

Fresh Celery Sticks dipped in Peanut Butter

Fresh Apple Wedges & String Cheese

Homemade Snack Mix (Nuts, Pretzels, Whole Grain Cereal, Banana Chips & Popcorn)

Below is one of my favorite snacks to make

 

Peanut Butter Yogurt Popsicles

*The popsicles were prepared in the Liebherr 36″ refrigerator and freezer with stainless steel panels and super cooling features. Liebherr is the worldwide leader in premium refrigeration and the name symbolizes innovation, skill, and drive. They are bringing the European design to North America by offering built-in, freestanding, and fully integrated refrigeration as well as a selection of wine storage. Liebherr products have a unique identity thanks to their distinct design and constantly evolving technology and solutions for freshness. 

Ingredients

2 cups plain yogurt
1 cup milk
1 1/4 cups smooth peanut butter (I used what I had: crunchy natural peanut butter)
1/2 cup honey
Frozen raspberries, a banana, and chocolate chips (all optional additions)

Directions

If you would like to add some nutrition and taste to your popsicles, start by having your little helper fill the base of the molds with some raspberries, sliced bananas or chocolate chips. You can use any fruit or sweet topping or just go without. Then, add all the ingredients in a blender and process until smooth. Pour into the molds or little cups with a popsicle stick in the middle. Freeze until solid. They come out of the cups easily by running them under hot water for a few minutes.

Click the thumbnails below to see the popsicle process with my little assistants. The finished product was a hit and a nice refreshing treat on a warm day.