4 Quick and Healthy Snacks for Kids
With school ending, summer break approaching, and all of the previous dietary No Nos piling up, you are probably wondering – What can I feed my kids?
I know that you are busy and you’re looking for quick options for your children’s afternoon snack. I have good news! You don’t have to sacrifice health to save time.
A Few Snacks That Make the Cut!
1. Fruit
Just. Plain. Fruit.
An apple has 13 grams of sugar, so cut it into slices and share it with your child or have them share it with their sibling(s). And with those handy apple slicers, it won’t take but 3 seconds!
They’ll get some great fiber with a whole apple too, so the sugar will be processed more efficiently. Even 100% apple juice can’t offer that!
2. Cheese
Studies have shown that cheese and other dairy products can help prevent cavities! It does so by neutralizing the pH balance in your mouth. The less acidic your mouth’s pH is, the better off your child will be!
3. Veggies
Of course, I would love for you to feed your child vegetables at snack time. It doesn’t have to be just vegetables – let them dip carrot sticks in moderate servings of hummus, ranch dressing, or guacamole. Find what works for them.
Even the classic celery and peanut butter is a great option. This snack is packed full of protein and fiber.
4. Deli Meat
Wrap a celery stick or asparagus stalk in turkey. Try a few things and see what they like!
The Best Advice I Can Give You…
… is one that you’ve heard before.
Shop on the outside of the grocery store.
Don’t go into those inner aisles – you won’t find much of anything of nutritional value there! Choose real foods and avoid added sugar.
You love your children. Keep them happy and healthy with some snacks that are both nutritious and delicious!
And, as always, brush your teeth after eating or, at the very least, make sure they swish with water!
~Dr. Rhea Haugseth
Rhea M. Haugseth, DMD maintained a private practice in Marietta, GA from 1982- 2017. She attended the University of Louisville Dental School and completed her pediatric dental residency at Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital / Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. She is a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry and a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. She is proud to be a Fellow the American College of Dentists, the International College of Dentists, and the Pierre Fauchard Academy – National Honorary Organizations for Dentists.
Dr. Haugseth is a Past President of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), the Southeastern Society of Pediatric Dentistry (SSPD), and the Georgia Academy of Pediatric Dentistry(GaPD). Dr. Haugseth has been a National Spokesperson for the AAPD since 1989 and has been frequently interviewed for radio, print, and national television.
Dr. Haugseth is the Founder (2013) and Director of the Atlanta Pediatric Dental Assistant School in Atlanta Georgia. She is also the Founder (2014) and Director of the Pediatric Dental Team Association. She is committed to pediatric dental team members and continues to develop ways to enhance their knowledge and skills both in and out of the dental office.