At Mary, Mother of the Light Academy in Tequesta, we strive to promote healthy eating habits for our students. It's time to start making snack time nutritional AND fun! These homemade kid-friendly snacks will keep your kids happy and healthy.

SMOOTHIES

Kids love sippable treats and smoothies are packed with delicious nutrients. Smoothies make it easy to sneak two or three servings of fiber and fruit into your kid's diet. We recommend using a base of banana, vanilla yogurt, and real orange juice. Then feel free to experiment with all kinds of cut-up fruit (frozen fruit is best). 

OATMEAL COOKIES

We all know kids love cookies, but instead of feeding them store-bought, high-fat and high-sugar varieties, make some homemade, low-fat oatmeal cookies. Our favorite part about oatmeal cookies is that you can add whatever you want to give them added flavor or nutrients -- think cranberries, raisins, nuts...anything your kids love! Give your children a glass of milk some delicious oatmeal cookies and they'll think they're getting a real treat!

SNACK MIX

Snack mix or trail mix is a handy, healthy and portable snack that your children can help you make. Grab a big bowl and toss in a combination popcorn, dried fruit, nuts, pretzels, coconut, whole grain cereal...whatever you want! Then put the snack mix in individual tupperware or baggies for a healthy snack on-the-go.

HUMMUS

Hummus is made from pureed chickpeas and is an excellent source of protein, fiber, vitamin B6 and iron. We also recommend adding a drizzle of heart-healthy olive oil, and fresh herbs (if your children will eat them). Kids love dipping veggies, baked pita chips or crackers into hummus. You can also smear it on bread and use it in a sandwich. 

FRUIT PARFAITS

Kids are all about presentation. If you can make a healthy dish look interesting to them, they are more likely to eat it. Fruit Parfaits are a great way to get children to eat yogurt, nuts, granola and fruit. Start with a big bowl of plain yogurt, a few bowls of chopped fruit/berries, and a bowl of chopped nuts or granola. Set out some clear glasses or plastic cups and let your kids build their own parfait layers. For an added treat, drizzle the top of the parfaits with honey or a spoonful of jam.

COTTAGE CHEESE SNACK

Cottage cheese is low in fat and rich in protein, calcium and vitamins A & B. A small bowl is a great after-school snack when your child needs a quick pick-me-up. Jazz up your child's cottage cheese by topping it with their favorite fruit or adding peas and carrots. Remember, it's all about the presentation - the more color, the better!

CELERY WITH PEANUT BUTTER & RAISINS

More commonly known as "ants on a log," this healthy snack is fun to make with your little ones. Let them help spread the peanut butter on the celery and top it with raisins. You can also experiment with using almond butter, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds...anything you have on hand!

Do you have more fun and healthy snack ideas? Tell us about them in the comments!