Healthy Snacks to Serve Kids at a Birthday Party

We tend to buy unhealthy snacks because we either don't have enough time to prepare or we are clueless to what we can easily prepare. So we go shopping and grab whatever jumps out at us, convenient snacks we would simply open and pour. No washing or cutting required. You know the kids will enjoy them and that's all that matter, which is less stressful to you, and everyone is happy.

However, a child's birthday party doesn't have to be loaded with unhealthful snacks. You just need to plan ahead and be prepared for a little work like washing, slicing, or minimal cooking. Processing time can range from 2 to 5 minutes per snack not needing cooking time. As always wash fruits and vegetable. Provide a mixture, but serve the healthy snacks first.

Fruits: Grapes, Banana, Strawberries, or Blueberries. These require washing, picking, sorting, cutting, and cleaning. Quality check the fruits mean two things: better flavor and as a safety precaution. Slice up some strawberries and banana to go with the other fruits to make a fruit salad. Most kids enjoy grapes because of its unique sweet tart flavor. Make sure they're seedless.

Vegetable: Broccoli, Cucumbers, Baby Carrots, or Celery Sticks. These require similar preparation as the fruits previously mentioned. The first three veggies are better served with a favorite dip, usually a ranch dressing. Celery sticks need their strings removed and serve with peanut butter or cheese if one is allergic to nuts.

Carbs: Pretzels, Crackers, or Popcorn. Fortunately these are the open and pour kinds. Popcorn may require popping time. No need to wash or cut here, but still healthier than chips. Opt for low sodium and low fat.

Milk Dairy: Cheese Cubes or Slices, Milk. Cheddar cheese is a favorite to kids. They can be purchased already cubed or sliced. Just make sure they are the natural sorts. Serve milk cold in individual containers for an added convenient. It's always a good idea to serve extra fluids such as 100 percent juices or soymilk for the lactose intolerance.

Protein: Chicken Nuggets, Cocktail Shrimps, Sliced Ham or Turkey. No preservatives deli ham or turkey provide a good source of protein and are simple to prepare. Just roll and arrange on a platter, and alternate them with some veggies for a pleasing presentation. Since chicken nuggets need cutting, seasoning, and cooking for 20 minutes in a 375-degree oven, they may be the last choice for those without time. But if you can provide some munchies while the chickens and shrimp are cooking then you'll sure to have time to prepare them. The shrimps need a couple minutes of boiling, drain and rinse in cool water and shelled. Serve with a mild cocktail sauce. Offer to those who can tolerate seafood to avoid any allergic reaction.

Now that you know what healthy snacks to serve, you needn't worry anymore about your kids' overindulgences on that piece of cake, if they still have any room at all.