Non-Fat Tuesday: 40 Kids Snack and Lunch Ideas

So the fitness challenge ended last week and I just wanted to say thank you so much to those of you who participated and/or gave me feedback! Staying focused on any workout plan is always easier with support so I hope that you continue on your journey now that the challenge has ended.

Image from halfhourmeals.com

As a child I struggled with my weight and I do not want to see that for my child. My daughter is five and she loves to eat so it is important to me that she isn't just consuming junk or sugar. Since she was able to chew, I have really watched what I let her eat so she doesn't face the same struggles that I faced and I feel that it's working for her in managing her weight. So thinking of all of the snacks that are mom approved, I have come up with a list of various lunch/snack ideas to share.

Kabob Snacks
Because eating things off of a stick is way more fun! 

Image from babble.com

Fruit Kabob
Seed and chop up a variety of fruits to eat on wooden skewers. After the chopping, the kids can serve themselves.

  Fruit Ideas (fruit alone is also a great snack!)

1. apples
2. oranges
3. watermelon
4. cantaloupe
5. honey dew
6. kiwi
7. pears
8. pineapples
9. bananas
10. seedless grapes
11. strawberries
12. blueberries
13. blackberries
14. raspberries
15. pitted cherries

Deli-Meat Kabob
Buy some fresh sliced deli meat to avoid preservatives! Roll your meats and cut them in half to have the perfect kabob-sized slice. You can mix the types of meat and add cubes of fresh cheese and enjoy. You can also serve your kabobs with crackers.

Dinner Meat Kabobs
Make eating chicken breast fun for kids by cutting it into cubes to put on a skewer. Add veggies or a side dish to complete the meal. You can also add dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or barbeque on the side.


Fruit and Veggie Snacks

Fresh Fruit with Fruit Dip
For  fruit ideas, please see above. Fruit dip is amazing and can be made with peanut butter or cream cheese. While this might not be the healthiest approach to feeding a child fresh fruit, its a good way to get them to try new fruits. To see some great recipe ideas for fruit dips, please click here.

Yogurt Parfaits
Parfaits are a great way to get kids to eat granola and they are delicious. Just put your favorite granola on the bottom then cover with yogurt and add your favorite fresh berries.

image from minnpost.com

Veggie Tray
They are not just for parties! And don't forget to add ranch or dill dip. If you want your kids to eat vegetables, make them more appealing and accessible! If you want to encourage your vegetables getting eaten, cut and bag them to be ready to eat. When a kid is looking for a snack, they will opt for the chips versus washing and slicing vegetables. Most kids want what is accessible now.

Peanut Butter Tortilla Quesadilla
Lightly cook your tortilla and top with peanut butter and your choice of toppings. This can include raisins, shaved cocoanut, shaved carrots, bananas, etc. Be creative with it.  


Easy Snacks

1. Fresh fruit (banana, apple, pear)
2. Popcorn
3. Raisins
4. String Cheese
5. Yogurt or Go-Gurt
6. Applesauce
7. Hard-boiled eggs
8. Apple chips (make your own)
9. Cottage Cheese
10. Homemade trail mix
11. Homemade Chex mix
12. Cereal bar
13. Pumpkin seeds
14. Sunflower kernels
15. A popsicle
16. Crackers and cheese spread
17. Tomato or cucumber slices with salt
18. Gluten-Free Tortilla Chips and fresh salsa or guacamole (make or buy fresh)
19. Muffin
20. Peanut butter and celery

Notice in my list that I never mentioned potato chips, candy, or cookies. I do allow my daughter to have these things but they are treats not snacks in our house. Leading a healthy lifestyle can be difficult but you can make it easier on yourself by including the entire family. I never worry about binging on Oreos because I rarely buy them. And yes, I would binge on them if I did, sadly.

**What snacks are your kids favorites? And what snacks do you buy? Leave it in the comments below. Thanks for reading!**