Healthy Snacks that Kids Love

Most children cringe when they hear the words, "Eat it. It's good for you." I've got some recipes that will change your children's thoughts of what healthy means.

Trail Mix
Here's what I throw into this hearty trail mix I make for my kids. You'll need a gallon-sized storage bag for this. Freezer bags work best because they hold heavier ingredients.

1.1 large bag of Pecans
2. 1 small bag of peanuts (Add more if peanuts are favored in your house. We prefer other nuts more.)
3. 1 medium bag of cashews
4. one-half bag of pretzels
5. one-half bag of dried cranberries
6. one bag of sunflower nuts (without the shells)
7. one bag of pumpkin nuts/seeds (without the shells)
8. one bag of spicy sesame sticks
9. one half bag of carob chips (like chocolate chips, but way less sugar)
10. one half bag of butterscotch carob chips
11. one half bag of yogurt covered raisins
12. one small bag dried banana chips

You can also add any dried fruit or nut that your kids like to personalize it.

Just throw all the ingredients into the storage bag and shake.

This makes for an easy and healthy snack to send to school with your child for snack time, works as an after school snack, and is also great for nature walks and camping. This is a versatile snack that is packed with protein, carbs, and fruits for superb energy and also for making sure your child gets those fruits in. Be careful. This can be an addicting snack. Once you make it, they'll ask for it again and again.

Self-Serve Tray
This is something that should be kept around every day.

For this one, you should purchase a chips and salsa tray that has two salsa compartments, although we won't use it for chips and salsa. It works well for this snack.

Here's what you need:

1. raw celery
2. raw carrots
3. grapes
4. cheddar and/or mozzarella cheese brick
5. plain yogurt
6. fat free ranch dressing
7. raw broccoli florets
8. raw cauliflower florets
9. raw sugar snap peas or snow peas
10. raw string beans
11. smashed or blended strawberries (just a few for flavoring)
12. sliced honeydew melon
13. sliced watermelon
14. sliced apples

Cut up all the vegetables and slice the cheese. Arrange it all around the sides of the tray.