- Sep
- 1
- 2017
Convenient snack hacks
The back-to-school frenzy is here. Convenience, combined with healthy choices, is a good snack recipe for both parents and children. Keep your child interested in what’s inside her lunchbox by having a repertoire of quick, healthy snacks on hand. Variety is the name of the game, so if Monday through Friday seems like an eternity in “snack planning days,” let’s boil it down to 5 easy ideas that could appeal to the pickiest eaters. Make up fun names for each snack day to keep the kiddies guessing:
Monday: Topless cupcakes — bite-sized muffins with healthy ingredients you can swap out for variety. Kick off the week with Northwell Healthy Choice apple zucchini muffins.
Tuesday: Smart chips — choose whole ingredients. Look for baked or freeze-dried veggie and fruit chips instead of soy crisps and puffed snacks that tend to be loaded with oils and fats.
Wednesday: Veggie-saurus Rex — baby carrots, bell pepper or celery sticks with portable, low fat dip ideas, such as hummus or guacamole.
Thursday: Tootie Fruity — slices of fresh fruit that are easy to eat and keep well. Thinly sliced apples. Orange or clementine segments. Thinly sliced cantaloupe or watermelon wedges.
Friday: You-Pick Friday — give your child a choice of any snack they want. You choose the amount, and they get a little indulgence.
“These snacks meet the Northwell Healthy Choice Snack Nutrition Criteria, and are great for hungry adults on the go, too,” says Michelle Milgrim, RD, employee wellness manager.