Easy, nutritious summertime snack ideas for busy moms.
With three young kids in tow, I always need to have lots of snacks and drinks packed to get us through mornings filled with playdates, errands and grocery runs. Instead of scrambling right before we leave, I’ve gotten into the habit of preparing and packing up snacks the night before so that we can grab them and go. Even if you’re not heading out, having snacks ready in the fridge is always nice. Here are a few of our go-to’s right now:
Fruit and/or veggie kiddie “sushi”:
Spread natural nut butter and a bit of honey OR cream cheese onto a whole grain tortilla and layer cut-up fruit of your choice on top. Sprinkle with cinnamon if you’d like too! Roll it up and cut width-wise for “sushi-looking” roll-ups
Water melon wedges:
Simple but wonderful. Watermelon is great for a snack during the summer months because it gives kids a boost of energy and nutrition while hydrating at the same time! Kids love the sweetness of watermelon and Moms love the fact that it’s nutritious and portable!
Fruit and yogurt smoothies:
I will often make fruit and yogurt smoothies in the morning and then pour them into portable cups for the kids with a few ice cubes to keep them cold. Adding yogurt and milk to fruit smoothies instead of juice will give them a protein boost which will help to keep them full and satisfied when you’re out and about.
Homemade trail mix:
Homemade trail mix is great because it offers a nice balance of carbohydrates, protein and fat which will help to energize your kids as well as keep them satisfied. It’s fun to eat and non-perishable too, which means you don’t have to worry about an icepack or cooler!
Homemade muffins:
I always have a good supply of homemade muffins in the freezer to take with us on play dates and playground runs. I pack them in a snack bag when they’re frozen, which keep any fruits or veggies, cheese or yogurt cool as well! By the time we dig in, they’re usually thawed. These flourless peanut butter and banana chocolate chip muffins are my kids’ new favourite. They are jam-packed full of nutrition and yummy too!
Muffin-tin Omelettes :
These are one of our favourite weeknight meals and I often save the leftovers for lunches or snacks. Wrap in plastic wrap and pack in a small cooler with fresh fruit for a healthy on the go snack. Here’s the recipe!
Homemade Energy Balls:
We often turn to energy or protein ball recipes, because they’re so easy to make and you can pack them full of nutrition. I love finding interesting flavour combinations for energy balls (my favourites always contain chocolate), and unique uses for nutritious ingredients that I already have in my fridge and pantry (like quinoa and coconut).
Homemade oatmeal raisin cookies:
These healthy (ish) oatmeal raisin cookies are high in fibre and are perfect for packing in your snack bag. Pair with yogurt, a fruit smoothie or have on their own!
Happy summer snacking!!
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