We’ve all been there before — your daughter has gymnastics, you’re running late (naturally), the youngest is all of a sudden starving and the last thing you want to do is swing through the drive-thru of a fast food restaurant. Having snacks at home, pre-prepared for on-the-go moments like these can be lifesavers when in a pinch, leaving your child satiated and you feeling guilt-free. What’s even better? Knowing each healthy ingredient that went into your child’s snack. Oh, by the way, they are SO good, you’ll gobble them up too!
The key to on-the-go snacking is creating high protein, high fiber snacks that will keep you and your children full for longer periods of time while you’re out and about in between meals. Be sure to have reusable storage bags or reusable storage bags handy so that when the time crunch comes, you will be prepared to grab and go!
Trail Mix
Trail mix is an all time favorite for little kids (and adults!) because who doesn’t enjoy picking through the bunch, selecting, and combining your favorite flavors? Trail mix is also extremely easy to make and personalize with tons of healthy options in bite size form: think protein-rich nuts, nutrient dense dried fruits, and if you’re really adventurous, the potent antioxidant known as… dark chocolate! Keep a pre-made batch (or mini to-go batches) in the pantry and you’ll be ready when it comes time to grab food on-the-fly.
Ingredients
- 1/4 Cup Cashews
- 1/4 Cup Peanuts
- 1/2 Cup Banana Chips
- 1/4 Cup Dried Cranberries
- 1/4 Cup Sunflower Seeds
- 1/4 Cup Dark Chocolate Chips
- 3 Cups Annie’s Organic Pretzel Bunnies
Combine all ingredients. Mix well. Enjoy.
Banana Oat Bites
These little bites of heaven are so good, you won’t believe they are actually healthy. Full of fiber and Omega-3 fatty acids (thanks to the flaxseed), these banana oatmeal bites offer a great deal of flavor, are incredibly moist, and offer a little bit of spice with a touch of cinnamon. The great thing about this incredibly easy recipe is that it too, can be personalized. Feel free to add peanut butter chips, chocolate chips, nuts, cranberries, or even raisins.
Ingredients
- 2 Very Ripe Med/Large Bananas
- 2 Cups Quick Oats
- 1 tbsp. Flax Seed (optional)
- 1/2 tsp. of Cinnamon (optional)
- 1/4 Cup Chocolate Chips (optional)
Mash bananas. Add Quick oats to mashed bananas and mix well. Add optional mix-ins. Scoop spoon-size bites onto greased cookie sheet and bake for approx. 11 minutes at 350 degrees.
Cilantro Lime Roasted Chick Peas
Think: all natural, savory or sweet, and definitely crunchy! Did we mention, heart-healthy, full of iron, fiber, protein, and natural antioxidants? This simple little health food is a cinch to make, throw into a bag, and even easier to pop into your mouth. And, if lime and cilantro aren’t your thing, the simple sweetness of honey and cinnamon make for an easy and perfect combo. Or, even a simple dash of salt and pepper will do!
Ingredients
- 2 Cans of Chick Peas
- 1 tsp. Olive Oil
- Fresh Lime Juice (approx. 1 small lime)
- 2 tbsp. Finely Chopped Cilantro
- Fresh Cracked Black Pepper to taste
Preheat oven to 350. Coat chick peas in olive oil and spread out on baking pan. Roast chick peas for an hour and 15 min, stirring often. Chick peas should be brown and crunchy when done. Pull from oven, pour into a bowl, and add fresh lime juice, chopped cilantro, and freshly cracked black pepper. Mix well.
Frozen Fruit & Coconut Water Push-Pops
Fruit is always an easy go-to for snacks. All natural, hydrating, and fun for summer, push-pops make an easy and fun snack to grab from the freezer when you are rushing out the door. Depending on the weather in your area and how quickly your kids decide to gobble them up, they may remain a popsicle, a fruit slushy, or a refreshing coconut water drink with a fruit cocktail.
Ingredients
- Fresh strawberries (quartered)
- Blueberries (whole)
- Raspberries (whole)
- Coconut water
- Hint of lemon juice
Fill push-pop mold about 3/4 full with fresh fruit, then add coconut water and hint of lemon juice to almost the top of the mold. Place mold in freezer until ready to use.
No Bake Nut Butter Oatmeal Bars
A breakfast favorite, these chewy no-bake peanut butter oatmeal bars are perfect for busy mornings when sitting down at the table for a warm bowl of healthy carbs and fiber just isn’t going to happen, let alone a cup of coffee! Prepare for the week ahead by combining only a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients and with a quick turn of the hand, breakfast snacks are ready to go!
Ingredients
- 2 Cups Quick Oats
- 1/2 Cup PB of your Choice (we used Wild Friend’s all natural Chocolate Coconut Peanut Butter)
- 6 tbsp. Honey
- 2 tbsp. Coconut Oil
- Sprinkle of Unsweetened Coconut Flakes (optional)
Melt coconut oil, honey, and peanut butter over low heat in a small pot. Add in quick oats (and any other dry ingredients you wish) and mix well. Once quick oats are nicely covered, pour mixture into a loaf pan and press firmly. Refrigerate for approximately two hours. Cut and enjoy. (Hint: Honey helps hold the bars together. Don’t skimp!)
Photo Credits: Stephanie, Cecilia Par on Unsplash
