Summer is a time for fun, relaxation, and maybe spending some time at the pool. For growing preschool kids, healthy snacks are an important way to refuel after hours in the heat.
Making healthy snacks for your kids might sound like an involved process. But with these easy, kid-approved choices, keeping them healthy has never been easier. Check out some simple, nutritious snacks you can prepare today.
1. Apple Slices and Nut Butter
Fruit is a refreshing treat for kids of any age. If you’re pressed for time and looking to pack a healthy snack for your Montessori preschool student, try slicing up an apple and pairing it with your child’s favorite type of nut butter (or encouraging them to try something new). Here are some nut butters to consider:
- Cashew
- Sunflower
- Almond
- Peanut
- Pecan
- Hazelnut
Try putting the butter in a small container by itself. If you want to keep the apple slices from starting to turn brown, squeeze a little bit of lemon juice over them.
2. Easy Homemade Granola Bars
It’s easy to find granola bars at the grocery store. But if you make your own, you can create healthy, customized alternatives for your kids. This recipe uses brown rice syrup and almond butter as binders. Who knew healthier granola bars could taste better than the store-bought versions?
Here’s what you need to make them:
- Rolled oats (3 cups)
- Dried fruit like cranberries, cherries, raisins, apricots, etc. (1 cup)
- Crispy brown rice cereal (1 cup)
- Chopped nuts like almonds, pecans, etc. (1 cup)
- Brown rice syrup (⅔ cup)
- Salt (¼ tsp.)
- Smooth almond butter (1 cup)
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp.)
You can bake the bars in a 9″x13″ baking pan, so you’ll have the equivalent of a box or more. Making them ahead is fine — if you do this, just wrap each one individually and store at room temperature for up to a week.
3. Pretzels and Hummus
Summer is an ideal time for kids to discover engaging activities like gardening, blowing bubbles, and conducting small science experiments. In between, they’ll need breaks to refuel.
Preschool is the ideal time to help kids expand their palates and discover new things. Try giving them pretzels with some hummus for dipping. The hummus provides great protein, and the pretzels include plenty of carbohydrates.
This combination may not sound like something young children would like, but you’d be surprised! For adventurous eaters, you can try offering different hummus flavors as well.
4. No-Bake Energy Balls
Summer snacks that you don’t have to bake can be wonderful, especially on very hot days. No-bake energy balls are great to make and store in the fridge. You just need to combine a cup of natural nut butter, a half cup of honey, and assorted mix-ins.
Rolled oats are great to include because they’ll give your kid plenty of whole grains. Try mixing in shredded coconut, chopped nuts, dried fruit, and even mini chocolate chips! Don’t be afraid to get creative.
Ready to Discover the World of Montessori Preschool?
At Montessori Schools of Fremont, we have proudly offered Montessori education since 1974. Through the Montessori method, countless children have learned responsibility, cultivated their curiosity, and developed a sense of empathy and caring for others.
Our schools don’t just strive to mold scholars — we aim to help children become better citizens of the world.
If you want to learn more about the Montessori method or want to enroll your child, reach out to Montessori Schools of Fremont today. We look forward to hearing from you!
