Healthy Snacks For Busy Families
Need help finding healthy snacks for the whole family to enjoy?
Eating a healthy diet can be difficult when you’re juggling work, school, clubs, and social activities.
If you're short on time, it can be tempting to reach for unhealthy snack options like crisps and chocolate bars. According to research by Mintel, 63% of UK snack eaters buy snacks on impulse.
However, with some forward planning and creative thinking, you can enjoy nutritious and delicious low calorie snacks that will satisfy your hunger and provide essential nutrients.
For example, high protein snacks like beef jerky are low in calories, full of taste and easy to enjoy when you’re out and about.
Healthy snack ideas for families
Ready to snack smarter and feel your best, even on the busiest days of the week? Here are some healthy snacks for kids the whole family can enjoy.
Fresh fruit and nut butter
Pairing fresh fruit with nut butter is one of the most satisfying snacks - and it’s easy to prepare.
Simply chop up the fruit (bananas and apples are great choices!) and pair it with peanut butter, almond butter or cashew butter.
The fruit will provide essential vitamins, minerals and fibre, while the nut butter offers healthy fats and protein.
Combining the two creates the perfect balanceof nutrients. High-protein snacks like this also help keep energy levels stable between meals.
Vegetable sticks with houmous
Why not chop up an assortment of colourful vegetables for a crunchy and satisfying snack?
Carrots, cucumbers, peppers and cherry tomatoes pair well with a creamy houmous dip.
The vegetables are low in calories but high in essential vitamins, minerals and fibre.
Houmous is made from chickpeas. It’s a filling, nutritious snack that’s high in protein and healthy fats.
Trail mix
Trail mix can be easily customised to suit your preferences. It’s also easy to store and carry with you throughout the day, making it the ideal on-the-go snack.
To make your own trail mix, stir together a variety of nuts, seeds, and dried fruits, such as almonds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, dried apricots, and raisins.
For extra sweetness, sprinkle some coconut flakes or dark chocolate chips on top.
This snack combines carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats to keep you feeling satisfied and energised throughout the day.
Vegetable crisps
Sometimes, you just want to enjoy the crunchy satisfaction of a bag of crisps.
But instead of grabbing a bag of shop-bought crisps, why not try baking your own vegetable chips at home?
You can make this recipe by cutting sweet potatoes, courgettes, or kale into thin slices, tossing them in extra virgin olive oil, adding salt and pepper or your favourite seasoning, and baking them in the oven until they are crispy.
These homemade vegetable crips are lower in calories and salt than regular crisps, but they’re still a crunchy, satisfying snack.
For added flavour and nutrition, serve them with a dollop of salsa or guacamole.
Choosing healthy snacks doesn’t need to be complicated - even for busy families.
These healthy snack ideas will help fuel your family and ensure everyone has all the energy and nutrients they need throughout the day.