5 Healthy Back to School Snacks for Kids

Time for a resolution. Let's clear out all of the processed unhealthy snacks from our pantries and fill them with nutritious alternatives.

Over the last 25 years, children's lifestyles and environment have changed tremendously in a world that has become increasingly fast-paced. We know that childhood obesity is on the rise, as many children already suffer from risk factors for heart disease, which include high cholesterol, elevated blood pressure, high triglycerides, raised insulin levels, physical inactivity, and obesity. Additionally, many children now suffer from type-2 diabetes, a disease which is typically environmental, triggered by unhealthy choices. And let's not forget that technology is producing a generation of sedentary children, where physical activity becomes secondary. Furthermore, in many homes, nutritious eating is not a priority, as families are always "on the go" rushing to various time-sensitive appointments. What can a parent do to help their child get on the path to a healthier lifestyle?

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Healthy after-school snacking does not have to be complicated, time-consuming, or expensive - just creative. Here are some quick and easy snacks that your child can enjoy after school, which can be easily prepared the night before ready to eat the next day.

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Baked Sweet Potato Chips
Nutrition coach Traci Mitchell advises that baked sweet potato chips can be a fun and nutritious snack that can be easily prepared the night before school. "Thinly slice a peeled sweet potato, toss with a tablespoon of coconut oil, bake at 350 for about 25 minutes (or until brown), sprinkle with sea salt and enjoy. This is a cost-effective and easy way to get kids to eat healthier. Sweet potatoes are a great source of vitamin B5, D, and magnesium, all of which are important to growing bodies!"

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Fruit, Cheese, Vegetables, and Hummus
Registered dietician Shana Hussin likes "a small piece or fruit with string cheese or fresh vegetables along with two tablespoons of hummus spread. I like to pair a whole grain, fruit, or vegetable with a nutrient-dense protein."

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PB & B Roll Ups
Jacqueline Gomes, a registered dietician recommends peanut butter and banana roll-ups as a fun and nutritious snack high in protein, potassium, and whole grains. "Bananas and peanut butter come together in this fun and delicious roll-up snack! This no-cook recipe is easy enough for your children to prepare on their own. Spread peanut butter on one side of whole-grain tortilla, place banana in center, roll up, and slice into pinwheels."

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Dried Fruit
Karen J. Irvine, the owner of Culinary Communications LLC, recommends dried fruit. Some healthy choices include "dried cantaloupe, mango, pluots, blueberries, and cherries. They have lots of different shapes and colors! The bright orange and red fruits are heart healthy supplying beta carotene, anti-oxidants, and vitamins."

Probiotic Cheese Dip
Nutritionist Nicolette Pace enjoys probiotic cheese dip as a healthy choice. Pace says, "Add fresh chopped herbs like chives to reduced-fat cream cheese and combine an equal amount of low-fat, thick Greek yogurt to naturally enhance the cheese with healthy immune bugs serve with baby carrots or other cut up veggies like celery."

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-Len Saunders, The Daily Meal