Growing kids get hungry between meals and snacks, making this the perfect opportunity to sneak in some extra nutrients into your child’s diet. The packaged snack options available in the supermarket need to be avoided as they are often made of refined flour, added sugars, and artificial ingredients. Instead of filling your child’s tummy with junk food, you can opt for some whole foods that will give your child the stamina and energy to get through the day.

Some healthy snack options that you can feed your child:

1. Yogurt
Yogurt is a good source of calcium and protein, making it an excellent snack for growing kids. The developing bones of the child need a constant supply of calcium, which yogurt can provide. Due to the live bacteria present in yogurt, it is also beneficial to the child’s digestive system. Instead of opting for the yogurt that is marketed for kids, pick the plain, full-fat yogurt and sweeten it with a drizzle of honey or some fresh fruit. However, make sure that you do not give honey to infants under 12 months of age.

2. Celery with peanut butter and raisins
This snack is popularly referred to as ants on a log, and it is a fun way to get your child to eat some vegetables. These three foods combined, provide kids with a good balance of carbohydrates, protein, and fat.

3. Nuts
Nuts make great snacks as they are high in healthy fats, fiber, and antioxidants. Introducing nuts into your child’s diet right from an early age lowers the risk of allergies. Make sure your child is old enough to be able to handle the texture of nuts.

4. Popcorn
Popcorn is a nutritious whole grain. Provided you don’t load the popcorn with unhealthy toppings, popcorn can be a healthy snack for kids. You need to, however, avoid giving popcorn to younger children as it can be a choking hazard.

5. Sliced pears with ricotta cheese
Pears are a sweet treat that kids love to eat when sliced up into slices. Pears are high in fiber content, and when spread with ricotta cheese, it provides both protein and calcium to your child’s diet.

6. Cottage cheese
This is a soft cheese which makes it a great snack for even infants to have. Cottage cheese is a good source of calcium, protein, vitamin B12, and selenium. Vitamin B12 is needed for the proper growth and brain development of children.

7. Oatmeal
Oats are high in soluble fiber, which makes it a great snack option. However, avoid buying oatmeal that comes in a package. Instead, make your oatmeal with whole, rolled oats. You can add some diced apples or applesauce for some sweetness. Making the oatmeal with milk will provide kids with additional protein and calcium.