Delicious On-The-Go Snacks to Keep Your Family Fueled
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Time to Read: 10 min
Keeping your family fueled with healthy snacks while juggling work, kids, and everything else can be a real challenge. As a pediatrician and mom, I get it – life gets hectic.
Every kid gets hangry (hungry & angry) every once in a while, and a ready-made and healthy snack can mean the difference between a lovely family trip to the zoo and a nightmare meltdown of epic proportions. Even if that weren’t enough, healthy snacks are just plain good for their growing bodies.
I remember a particularly chaotic week when my work schedule was packed, the kids had back-to-back activities, and meal planning seemed impossible. During one of those rushed mornings, I realized I had forgotten to pack snacks for the kids. This led to a frantic stop at a convenience store, which resulted in less-than-ideal snack choices. That's when I knew I had to find a better way, even on the busiest days.
Finding the right balance can be tricky, but it’s possible with a bit of planning and some creativity. This blog will share some of my favorite healthy on-the-go snacks that have saved my sanity and kept my kids happy and energized.
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Stainless steel is the only kid-friendly material recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics
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The Benefits of Healthy On-The-Go Snacks
Healthy on-the-go snacks are a lifesaver for any busy parent. They help keep kids' energy levels stable throughout the day. There’s nothing worse than dealing with a hunger-induced meltdown in the middle of a busy afternoon. Having nutritious snacks on hand prevents these crises and keeps everyone happy and focused.
Beyond managing energy levels, healthy snacks support overall health and well-being. Nutritious options like fresh fruit, veggies, and protein provide essential vitamins and minerals for kids. This means fewer sick days and more vibrant, energetic kids ready to tackle their activities and schoolwork.
Healthy snacks also encourage better eating habits. Wholesome foods set a positive example and teach kids to make healthier food choices. Hopefully, they’ll reach for an apple instead of a bag of chips next time, not just because it’s better for them but because they prefer the fresh, crisp snap of an apple over a greasy plastic bag full of processed potatoes. This foundation of healthy eating benefits them for a lifetime.
Adding healthy on-the-go snacks to our routine has made a big difference. It’s a small change that takes a little more work but you’ll notice improvements as soon as you make it. I can speak from experience.
What Makes a Healthy Snack?
When choosing snacks for my kids, I try to stick to a few essential criteria.
Are They Nutrient-Dense and Balanced?
A healthy snack should be packed with nutrients. Look for snacks that offer a good balance of protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates. This balance helps keep energy levels steady and provides the vitamins and minerals necessary for growth and development. Examples of these are mixed nuts, yogurt with fruit, or whole-grain crackers with cheese.
Are They Free of Harmful Additives and Chemicals?
Choose snacks free of harmful additives and chemicals. Avoid snacks with artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. Go for natural, whole foods that don’t have a long list of unpronounceable ingredients. For instance, fresh fruits and vegetables, plain nuts, and homemade snacks are great options.
Are They Easy to Prepare and Store?
Busy days call for snacks that are quick to prepare and easy to store. I look for options that can be prepped ahead of time and stored without a lot of headaches. Items like pre-cut veggies, hard-boiled eggs, and homemade energy bars can be packed in reusable containers and are ready to grab whenever needed. Stainless steel containers like Ahimsa’s Circle Trio on-the-go containers keep these snacks fresh and safe and look pretty cool while doing it (if I do say so myself). If you’re looking for a way to easily measure age-appropriate serving sizes, you’ll love our Smart Snacking Bowls. I keep a couple of these in my bag for any last-minute snack serving while we’re on the go.
If you can answer those questions with a “yes” then you’ll be set up for success.
Mealtime Essentials
Quick and Healthy Snack Ideas
Finding snacks that are both quick and healthy can be a game-changer for busy families. Here are some of my go-to options that keep my kids satisfied and energized throughout the day.
Fresh Fruit and Veggies: Fresh fruits and vegetables are a staple in our house. Pre-cut apples, carrots, and celery sticks are perfect for quick snacks. I usually spend a few minutes at the beginning of the week prepping these and storing them in portable containers. Not only are these options nutritious, but they’re also easy to grab and go, making them ideal for busy days. One of my best mom friends gave me great advice at preschool dropoff one morning. She told me skip asking kids if they want some veggies or fruit, and just put out a variety of options for everyone to sample. The plate is almost always empty at the end of snack time.
Protein-Packed Options: Protein is essential for keeping energy levels stable. Some of our favorite protein-packed snacks include hard-boiled eggs, cheese sticks or cubes, and Greek yogurt with a sprinkle of granola. Hard-boiled eggs are easy to prepare in advance and store in the fridge. Cheese sticks or cubes are convenient and loved by kids. Greek yogurt topped with a bit of granola adds a satisfying crunch and is a great way to get some extra protein and probiotics.
Homemade Snacks: Homemade snacks can be both fun to make and healthier than store-bought options. Energy balls made from oats, nut butter, and honey are a hit in our household. They’re easy to mix up and roll into bite-sized portions. Mini sandwiches with whole-grain bread and lean protein like turkey or chicken provide a balanced snack that’s also filling. DIY trail mix with nuts, seeds, and dried fruit offers a mix of healthy fats, protein, and natural sugars. I know I’ve mentioned this before but roasted chickpeas in different flavors - like savory, spicy or even honey cinnamon - are favorites in my house. They’re easy, quick, and cheap to make.
Hydrating Snacks: Hydration is just as important as nutrition, especially on busy or active days. Cucumber slices with hummus are refreshing and hydrating. The cucumbers provide a lot of water content while the hummus has protein and fiber. Watermelon cubes are another hydrating snack that my kids love. They’re sweet, juicy, and perfect for hot days. Smoothies packed in insulated bottles are a great way to combine hydration with nutrition. I often blend up a mix of fruits, veggies, and a bit of yogurt or milk for a nutritious drink that stays cool for hours.
These quick and healthy snack ideas into our routine has made a big difference in how we manage busy days. A variety of options keeps snack time interesting and, best of all, nutritious.
Snack-Time Tips for Busy Families
Managing snack time for a busy family can be a challenge, but with a little planning and preparation, it becomes much easier. Here are some tips that have worked well for us:
Planning and Prepping Ahead of Time: One of the best ways to keep healthy snacks available is to plan and prep ahead of time. This is the perfect Sunday afternoon activity. This might include cutting up fruits and veggies, boiling eggs, and making homemade snacks like energy balls or mini sandwiches. Having these ready to go in the fridge or pantry makes it easy to grab a healthy option when needed.
Keeping a Snack Station at Home: Setting up a dedicated snack station at home can make snack time more efficient and fun for everyone. Use a section of the kitchen counter to store ready-to-eat snacks in clear containers, so the kids can see and choose what they want. This station includes a mix of fresh items like fruit and vegetables, along with shelf-stable options like nuts and granola bars. Having everything in one place makes it easier for the kids to help themselves (if they’re old enough).
Choosing Snacks That Can Be Easily Stored in the Car or Diaper Bag: For those days when we're constantly on the move, having snacks that store well in the car or diaper bag is a lifesaver. I keep a stash of non-perishable items like dried fruit, nuts, and whole-grain crackers in the car. For the diaper bag, I prefer small, individually packed snacks that don’t need refrigeration. Reusable snack bags and stainless steel containers from Ahimsa – the Square, one of our newest designs, is the perfect size and shape for this. They’re also easy to clean and much better for the environment than single-use plastics.
Conclusion
Healthy snacks are essential for keeping the whole family energized and happy. They play a vital role in maintaining stable energy levels, supporting overall health, and fostering better eating habits. Involving kids in snack preparation not only teaches them valuable skills but also makes them more likely to enjoy and choose healthy foods. These small, consistent choices can lead to lifelong healthier habits.
Explore Ahimsa's range of stainless steel dishware to keep your snacks fresh and safe. Our products are designed with families in mind. For more tips on creating nutritious, balanced meals for your children, download our Mealtime Guide.
Dr. Manasa Mantravadi
Dr. Manasa Mantravadi is a board-certified pediatrician whose dedication to children’s health drove her to launch Ahimsa, the world's first colorful stainless steel dishes for kids. She was motivated by the American Academy of Pediatrics’ findings on harmful chemicals in plastic affecting children's well-being. Ahimsa has gained widespread recognition and been featured in media outlets such as Parents Magazine, the Today Show, The Oprah Magazine, and more.
Dr. Mantravadi received the esteemed “Physician Mentor of the Year” award at Indiana University School of Medicine in 2019. She was also named a Forbes Next 1000 Entrepreneur in 2021, with her inspiring story showcased on Good Morning America. She serves on the Council for Environmental Health and Climate Change and the Council for School Health at The American Academy of Pediatrics. She represents Ahimsa as a U.S. industry stakeholder on the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) for the Global Plastics Treaty, led by the United Nations Environment Program. Dr. Mantravadi leads Ahimsa's social impact program, The Conscious Cafeteria Project, to reduce carbon emissions and safeguard student health as part of a national pilot of the Clinton Global Initiative.
She is dedicated to educating and empowering people to make healthier, more environmentally friendly choices at mealtime. Her mission remains to advocate for the health of all children and the one planet we will leave behind for them through real policy change within our food system.
More Mealtime Essentials
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I use stainless steel instead of plastic? Is stainless steel better for health?
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) released a report in July 2018 suggesting ways that families can limit exposure to certain chemicals at mealtime, including “the use of alternatives to plastic, such as glass or stainless steel, when possible.” The report explained that “…some additives are put directly in foods, while “indirect” additives may include chemicals from plastic, glues, dyes, paper, cardboard”. Further, “Children are more sensitive to chemical exposures because they eat and drink more, relative to body weight, than adults do, and are still growing and developing.” While stainless steel items meet the recommendation to avoid plastic products in children, Ahimsa® products have the obvious advantage of not breaking like glass.
Is stainless steel better for the environment than plastic?
According to the Steel Recycling Institute, steel can be recycled over and over and over again without losing its integrity and requires less energy to recycle than to make anew. Most plastic unfortunately ends up in landfills and it is estimated to take 700 years to decompose. Our special coloring process that allows Ahimsa® products to be fully metal is environmentally friendly, so it does not produce toxic run-off into the ecosystem.
Will Ahimsa products break or peel?
No. Our steel is durable, so it won’t break or shatter with everyday use, like glass. And it won’t peel, like other colored stainless steel products you’ve seen. We use a special process that allows the colors to naturally occur in the metal.
Which Ahimsa products are best for my little one(s)?
Our products are meant to last, you can use Ahimsa at ages 1, 8 and 18! We thoughtfully design our products to be safe for little ones and our planet while reducing consumption. Once your child outgrows the Starting Solids Set and can use regular cups and utensils, the training cup is the perfect size rinse cup in the bathroom, the infant spoon doubles as a tea stirrer and the bowl is great for snacks or as an additional compartment to our modular divided plate. Our plates are great for any age as they encourage choosing a variety of healthy foods at each meal and help visualize portion sizes easily. It’s the lasting beauty of stainless steel - grows with your child and reduces waste.
