It is hard to believe our kids are back in school already and we are thinking about easy school snack ideas! As my girls get older each summer seems to fly by a little faster. I hope everyone made the most of their summer and enjoyed the outdoors, hanging out with friends and family, tried something new, and ate lots of delicious food (my favorite topic to talk about)!

When it comes to packing my girls’ school snack, I like to make sure they are balanced and contain protein, fiber, and healthy fat to regulate their blood sugar and keep them feeling satiated until lunch. I like to think of snacks as a mini meal that includes a fruit, veggie, protein/ healthy fat, and a fun food (your standard snacks, chips, crackers, pretzels, etc). Fun foods are delicious and can be part of a healthy snack but are void of nutrients. Hence the term “fun foods” since they are just for fun.

If you child eats a bag of goldfish and proceeds to say “Mom, I’m hungry!!!” soon after, followed by a possible melt down this can be a sign of low blood sugar.  When we served a balanced snack it helps our kids stay full longer, be able to stay focused, control their emotions better, and have sustained energy.

A few of our staples that I love to keep on hand for school snacks.

Fruits:

• apples
• pears
• clementines
• bananas
• berries
• grapes
• kiwi

Veggies:

• carrots
• cucumbers
• rainbow colored peppers
• peas
• green beans

Protein/fat:

• homemade trail mix with nuts and seeds
• Chomps meat sticks
• cheese/ turkey roll
• hummus
• Sweet Potato Chocolate Chip Muffins
• Spinach Chocolate Chip Muffins
• Grain Free Power Balls
• plain full fat yogurt with berries

Fun Foods made with clean ingredients:

• Siete Chips
• Simple Mills Crackers
• Lesser Evil Popcorn and Lesser Evil Puffs

My favorite tool for packing snacks

Lunchbots makes it super easy for me to pack my girls snacks. I love that they are stainless steel, easy to clean, and durable. I bought my first Lunchbot 7 years ago and it still looks as good as new. My favorite Lunchbot for snacks is the 4 compartment one, making it easy to pack a fruit, veggie, fun food, and a protein/fat food. There are so many choices for lunch boxes out there! You’re sure to find one you love. 

Cheers to a great school year for your family full of learning, laughter, friendships, and delicious, nutritious food!