By Melissa O’Shea, Park Shore Nutritionist
Spend the day with any kiddo and the snack requests seem to be endless. You might think of snacking as a “bad” thing, especially when your child is reaching for chips or cookies, but when done right, snacks can be an asset to a healthy diet. Think of a snack as a mini meal and an opportunity to meet nutrient needs and support your child’s overall daily nutrition. Snacks can also help bridge the gap in between meals, keeping blood sugar levels stable and energy levels revved.
When it comes to smart snacking, be sure to include a source of protein and fiber to reap all the healthy benefits snacks have to offer without the sugar crash. Skip the products with long, hard-to-pronounce ingredient lists and reach for whole foods as often as possible.
Here are 10 winning combos to pack for school, on the go, or whenever hunger hits!
Cheese cubes or string cheese + whole grain crackers + grapes (quartered for the littles)
Apple slices + Nut butter or Sunbutter
Greek yogurt + Blueberries
Hummus + cucumber or red pepper slices
Whole grain mini bagel + cream cheese + raspberries
Fruit smoothie – yogurt and/or milk of choice, banana, strawberries and a drizzle of honey
Edamame + whole grain pretzels
Graham cracker squares with nut butter or Sunbutter + applesauce squeeze pack or cup
Whole grain toast topped with smashed avocado + halved or quartered cherry tomatoes
Mini pizza on a whole-grain English muffin
Melissa O’Shea, Park Shore Nutritionist
Melissa O’Shea is a Registered Dietitian with a Master’s Degree in Nutrition Education from Columbia University. She has spent most of her career working in corporate wellness, managing diabetes and weight management programs, presenting lectures, and offering individualized counseling. She has served as National Director of Nutrition for a wellbeing spa and was an adjunct professor at a New York City college. She loves working with families and individuals to help support them meet their health and wellness goals. She believes in keeping things simple and that small, gradual changes will lead to lifelong wellness. Eating healthy can be easy and delicious with the right tools and support! As a long time Park Shore student, camper, and now parent, Melissa is thrilled to be a part of our team to help educate and provide support to the Park Shore community.
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