Perfect Healthy Summer Snack Ideas for Children | The Nutrition Guide

Keeping children healthy and well-nourished during the summer months is a top priority. With the increased activity and the hot weather, it's important to keep them hydrated and fuelled with the right nutrients. This blog will walk you through a series of perfect, healthy snack ideas for children this summer.

Fruit Kebabs

Fruit kebabs are a colourful, fun, and hydrating snack idea. Simply thread a mix of your child's favourite fruits onto skewers. Berries, bananas, melons, and grapes all make excellent choices. Fruits are high in fibre, essential vitamins, and minerals, keeping your child's immune system strong and aiding digestion.

Strawberries

Strawberries are a delightful summer fruit that children love. They are not only sweet and refreshing, but they are also packed with vitamin C and antioxidants. These nutrients can boost your child's immune system and promote healthy skin.

Apples

Apples are a classic snack choice that provide crunch and sweetness. Apples are high in dietary fibre, helping your child feel full and promoting good digestion. They also contain a variety of antioxidants, including quercetin, which can boost brain health.

Carrot and Cucumber Star Pots

This snack is as fun to make as it is to eat! Slice cucumbers and cut out star shapes in the centre. Do the same with carrots and layer these on top of hummus in a mug or small pot. These Star Pots are a playful way to introduce more vegetables to your child's diet. Plus, the hummus adds a protein boost and the carrots are packed with vitamin A, important for good vision.

Vegetable Sticks with Hummus

Crunchy vegetable sticks served with hummus can be an exciting way to incorporate more vegetables into your child's diet. Carrots, cucumbers, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes are all great options. This snack is rich in dietary fibre and protein from the hummus, providing energy and supporting growth and development.

Frozen Yoghurt Pops

On particularly hot days, frozen yoghurt pops can be a real treat. Mix natural yoghurt with pureed fruit and freeze in moulds. These pops are high in calcium and probiotics from the yoghurt, promoting bone health and aiding digestion, while the fruit adds a natural sweetness and essential vitamins. Tip - add some granola in. This will help your baba feel fuller for longer.

Wholegrain Toast with Avocado

Wholegrain toast topped with avocado is a quick and nutritious snack idea. Wholegrains are a great source of complex carbohydrates providing sustained energy, while avocados are rich in healthy fats and fibre, supporting brain development and healthy digestion.

Nut Butter Banana Wraps

Spread some nut butter on a wholegrain tortilla, add banana slices, and roll it up for a delicious, easy-to-eat snack. This combination provides a good balance of proteins, healthy fats, and carbohydrates. It's also a good source of potassium and magnesium from the bananas, supporting heart health and muscle function.

To keep your child healthy and active this summer, make sure to provide plenty of water along with these nutritious snacks. Hydration is key in the hot weather and can aid in digestion and absorption of these nutrients.

Remember, fostering healthy eating habits from a young age can set your children up for a lifetime of good health. So get creative with these snacks, involve your children in preparing them, and enjoy a happy, healthy summer!