7 Easy Snack Ideas for Kindergarteners

September is right around the corner and your little kindergarteners will be heading off to school. Many schools request that the parents provide their children with a snack throughout the week. Snacks are important for little ones because it gives them that extra boost needed to fuel their minds and bodies. Snacks should be nutritious and filling. Below are some ideas of what you can place in your child's lunch bag.

1. Granola and a piece of fruit make for a good snack for young children. Granola contains a good source of vitamins and fiber. Different types of fruits contain many vitamins that are beneficial to the body. Some of the healthiest fruits include; kiwi, bananas, watermelon, papaya, apples, oranges, strawberries, cherries, grapes (purple) and blueberries. When you purchase pre-packaged granola you want to be aware of the amount of sugar and if there are any partially hydrogenated oils in the ingredients. The best granola to purchase is the one full of oats, nuts, seeds, and dried fruits. If you have a bit of skill with cooking you can make your own granola in your home.

2. Yogurt and a piece of fruit is a good snack for children. The best yogurt to purchase is the one with the least amount of sugar in it such as the light and fat free yogurts. Yogurt provides the body with a source of calcium. Many popular brands of yogurt are full with sugar so you should be sure to check the labels. Columbo, Dannon, and Stonyfield Farm make light and fat free yogurts. Plain yogurt is also good to purchase. It is bland in taste so it can be served with diced fruit and granola sprinkled on top for added sweetness. Peaches and strawberries are great fruits to place in yogurt. If you purchase plain yogurt you can prepare it with the fruit and granola toppings and place it inside a plastic container for your child to take to school.

3. Dried fruit and nuts make a great snack. If you do not feel like placing fresh fruit in your child's bag you can consider packing dried fruits in the bag. Dried fruit will have more calories than fresh fruit but will serve as a healthy snack when paired with a handful of nuts. Nuts should only be given to children who do not have difficulty in chewing them. Healthy nuts include; cashews, almonds and walnuts. Certain nuts provide omega 3 essential fatty acids, and vitamins which are important to the body's growth and function.

4. Crackers, cheese, and a small piece of fruit will make a nutritious snack for kindergarteners. When packing fruit you want to choose a piece of fruit that can be easily transported without bruising easily. Fruits such as apples and grapes and pears are good choices to pack in a lunch bag. A handful of Triscuits, wheat thins, and saltines are great to pack in the bad and taste delicious when paired with a low fat string cheese or stick cheese.

5. Melba snacks and apple sauce or pudding can make for an interesting combination. Melba snacks are a great alternative to chips and to crackers (that are high in fat.) They come in many different varieties such as; roasted garlic, whole grain, white cheddar, sesame, whole grain and spicy 3 pepper. Apple sauce will provide your children with vitamin c and pudding will provide your children with a bit of calcium.

6. Sliced vegetables, cubed cheese, and ranch dip will make a delicious snack. You can purchase mini plastic bowls to hold the vegetables, cheese and dressing in. Vegetables provide the body with fiber and vitamins, and cheese provides the body with calcium.

7. Peanut butter and jelly on English wheat muffins paired with a piece of fruit makes for a very nutritious snack. Peanut butter is loaded with dietary fiber, vitamin e, and protein. Fruit contains vitamins and minerals, and wheat English muffins provide a great source of grains.