Super Summer Snacks

Kids are always hungry, especially during the summer, after swimming and other outdoor activities. But all they want is junk food. They reach for candy bars and doughnuts. Children are growing and need plenty of foods loaded with vitamins and minerals. They need calcium and vitamin D from the dairy group, protein for building muscles and brain power from the meat group, vitamin C for a strong immune system from the fruit group, and B vitamins for a healthy nervous system, better digestion and overall health. Peanut butter, nuts and cheese, for example, are very high in protein. Ice cream and milk are great sources of calcium, vitamin D and protein. The next time your child reaches for a gooey candy bar or sticky sugar filled pastry, give them one of these healthy alternatives instead:

• Chocolate covered bananas
• Apples dipped in peanut butter
• Celery with cheese spread
• Whole wheat crackers with slices of ham and cheese
• Popcorn
• Nuts
• Ice cream
• Grilled cheese squares
• Fruit salad
• Ice cones with fruit juice
• Whole wheat pretzels with cheese dip
• Chopped carrots, celery, cucumbers with ranch dressing dip
• Animal crackers
• Whole grain bagel with fruit jam
• Hot apple bran muffins
• Watermelon or cantaloupe
• Home made pudding
• Milkshakes, try adding blended fruit
• Dried fruits, nature's candy
• Raisins or fresh grapes or strawberries with a little whipped cream dip (made from beaten egg whites).