With warmer weather and sunshine, your toddlers will probably be playing outside more. All that running around outdoors can mean needing extra fuel for their little bodies. Healthy snacks can provide the extra boost they need and still be fun to eat. We’ve put together a few healthy snack ideas for toddlers that even the pickiest of eaters will like.
Cucumber boats filled with parmesan and ricotta cheese. (Or another low-fat cheese)
Cheese cube and fruit kabobs
Freeze yogurt in ice trays for a healthier popsicle
“Ants on a log” Spread peanut butter on celery and top with raisins
Whole wheat toast with peanut or almond butter and banana slices
Apples with peanut or almond butter on them
Toddler Nutrition
Through these snacks, make sure your toddler is getting their recommended nutritional value of each food group. Plan and incorporate all the food groups into their snacks; be sure to incorporate appropriate amounts of fruits, veggies, dairy, whole grains, sugars, protein, fiber, and other nutrients.
Six small meals is recommended for toddlers, rather than 3 large meals like adults. Healthy snacks throughout the day can keep their little tummies full, and can help prevent tantrums caused by hunger. Healthy, sustainable mini-meals every 2-3 hours can also keep sugar and energy levels up, and provide some structure to keep them from grazing all day long. Grazing all day can lead to habits of overeating and lead to obesity and other health problems during childhood.
Healthy Snacks at Your Raleigh Child Care
Primary Beginnings serves healthy and nutritious snacks at our Raleigh preschools to keep our preschooler’s little tummies full and happy all day long. We went them to have the energy to focus and learn so they can reach their full potential.
