A Guide to Healthy Snacks for Kids Around the Holidays

The holidays are a time for family, fun, and of course, food! While it's tempting to let your kids indulge in all the holiday treats they see, it's essential to make sure they're still getting the nutrients they need. Here are some tips for finding healthy snack options that will keep your kids (and you) happy and healthy during the holiday season.

Fruit; It's Not Just for Breakfast!

One easy way to ensure your kids get their daily fruit dose is to incorporate it into their snacks. Apples and oranges make great grab-and-go snack options, but if you're looking for something a little more festive, consider trying grapes or berries. Additionally, for a fun twist on fruit salad, have your kids help you mix together their favorite fruits with some yogurt to create a delicious and healthy snack that's perfect for colder days.

Veggies Aren't Just for Sides, Either!

Gone are the days of broccoli left lonely on the plate. There are lots of creative ways to sneak veggies into your kids' everyday diet. Carrots and celery sticks require no chopping and are easy to "dress up" literally! For example, who doesn’t love ants on a log? Slather peanut butter on your celery sticks and plop chocolate chips or raisins on top. If you're looking to incorporate some not-as-common veggies, try making roasted sweet potato wedges or zucchini chips. You can even get your kids involved in the kitchen by having them help you prepare these snacks. They'll be so proud of their work that they'll be more likely to eat them too!

Don't Forget the Protein!

Protein is essential to any diet, but it can be especially essential for growing kids. If you're looking for a healthy snack that will give your kids the energy they need to play and learn, try making homemade trail mix (no mess and travels great) with nuts and seeds or hard-boiled eggs. Get creative and make bite-sized pieces of chicken or turkey wrapped in whole wheat tortillas - perfect for little hands!

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The holidays are a wonderful time of year, but between all the parties and events, it can be hard to make sure your kids are eating healthy. By incorporating some simple tips like adding fruit to their snacks or including protein-rich options, you can make sure your kids are getting the nutrients they need to stay happy and ho-ho-healthy all season long. From all of us here at Pop, we hope you have a joyous holiday season!