How to Pack Snacks for a Busy Weekend
We have reached that stage with the kiddos where we are going non-stop on the weekends. A low-key, laid back weekend is few and far between for our family. We highly encourage the kids to play an active sport, so that means practices during the week and loading up for games on the weekend. Brydon recently has been gearing up for lacrosse season and has had a few lacrosse practices on the weekend. While Audrey has hit the pause button on dance, and has been taking riding lessons. If we are not headed out to a practice or a game, we are packing up and heading out to the beach or boating.
All of these quickly add up to a busy weekend, where we are out and about. As an active family, we also encourage the kiddos to fill their bodies with the balanced nutrition they need to keep their little bodies fueled. This means snacks high in protein, low in sugar, and easy to pack!
Why Healthy Snacks are Important
It is suggested for optimum health and growth, children should eat three meals and 2 healthy snacks a day. A healthy snack can provide nutrients to keep your little on going throughout the day. It helps keep blood sugar levels steady and can prevent overeating at meals. Kids are active and are burning energy all day. Snacks give kids the extra nutrients and fuel their bodies need to grow. Children need to be taught what the right amount is for their bodies. Remember, you are teaching them information about healthy eating that they will have for the rest of their lives. So snacks should not consist of junk food like chips, cookies, and candy. I always say everything in moderation. I make the kiddos eat the good stuff, before they can eat treats.
What Should your Snacks Contain
Most of your kid’s snacks should consist of foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy and nuts or seeds. These ingredients will help keep your little stomachs full and provide the nutrients they need as they burn energy. They are high-protein and high in the good fats their bodies need.
Food Prepping is Key
So whether we are out in the boat or headed out to a full day at the lacrosse field, we have the cooler and bag loaded up with snacks for everyone. Cascadian Farms granola bars have always been one of mine, and the kiddos favorite bars to grab on the go. We always have a basket full of them in our pantry. Cascadian Farms makes all of their products from whole and organic ingredients so you don’t have to worry about what you are putting into your body. Some quick ideas for you to prep for your family are the following:
- Yogurt topped with berries, favorite fruit, and Cascadian Farms Granola
- Cheese stick and apple
- No Bake Granola Bites – I even have added a scoop of protein to these.
- Whole grain crackers with cut up veggies or fruit
- Veggie or fruit muffins made with whole grains
- Cinnamon Raisin Granola Toast
- Celery sticks plus 1 TBL nut butter
- Banana Nut Snack Mix
- Fruit kebobs dipped in yogurt
- Homemade Raspberry Crumble Bars
- Cascadian Granola Bars – so many new flavors you must try!
- MORE amazing SNACK RECIPES
I do hope the habits and routines we have built will carry into the future with our kiddos. Kris and I have tried really hard to create and instill healthy habits into them. But don’t get me wrong, this Cox Clan loves a good ice-cream date as well. But we treat ourselves only after we have worked hard and hopefully brought back a win!
XOX
Mandy
A BIG thank you to Cascadian Farms for Sponsoring this Post