Let’s face it…if you are a parent or caregiver, you laugh hysterically at the image above because you know it speaks the truth. All-day snacking is just another indication of summer’s arrival. Wondering how to keep it in check? Here are a few tips from your friends at Just 4 Kids. Keep the cavities away with these simple steps!
Summer snacking tip #1: Make healthy snacks accessible
Make space in your pantry and refrigerator for ready-to-go snacks. Find a few fun baskets that can be designated snack baskets for your little munchers! Make them even easier to access by placing baskets in a cabinet that your child can reach with no fuss. For the pantry: stock with individual serving sizes of goldfish, applesauce, trail mix, crackers, rice cakes, granola bars, healthy muffins, and the like. For the fridge: stock with hard boiled eggs, string cheese, fruit, veggies, lunch meat (roll ups are always a winner), yogurt…the list could go on and on! Find more ideas on self-serve snack baskets here.
Summer snacking tip #2: Choose water over juice, gatorade, and other sugary drinks
Though Gatorade and apple juice may TASTE more refreshing on a hot day, water will help you stay hydrated the most since it has 0g sugar. Gatorade and apple juice are full of sugar bugs (yuck!). A bottle of Gatorade contains 56g of sugar; according to the USDA, children should consume 40g sugar per day.
Summer snacking tip #3: Make it homemade
For more filling and nutritious snacks, try homemade! Homemade snacks cut out a hefty amount of the sugar and preservatives that are found in store-bought products. You can find lots of ideas on Pinterest. Try baking and cooking with kids as a fun afternoon activity during the summer. Cooking with kids also introduces them to new foods, along with kitchen concepts.
Summer snacking tip #4: Road trip tips
Here’s one of our favorites!!!! Instead of making countless stops at the convenience store (where begging is sure to ensue and sugary treats glare at all of us), try this! Grab a crafting storage box and go to town creating a fun, healthy, and colorful snack box that is sure to keep kids occupied the whole ride through. We LOVE i should be mopping the floor’s post.
Summer snacking tip #5: Eat the rainbow!
Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Purple…challenge your children to eat the rainbow each day. Have them search for new and interesting fruits and vegetables in the grocery store and host an in-home taste test. It’s always more fun when you make it a game!!
We hope you enjoy these ideas, and that they take the stress out of the summertime snacking. Wishing you and yours the best this summer…have fun exploring!
To keep up with us on Pinterest (and to stay up to date on the latest recipes that make your teeth smile), follow us here!
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