When your kids start their day at the playground, continue on to their friend’s backyard pool, and end the fun with sidewalk chalk in the driveway, they’re spending a lot of time underneath a hot sun, and sweating it out in humid conditions. Treats that hydrate and treats that fuel their energy are essential for kids in the summertime. These healthy, easy snacks will keep your kids on the go.
Watermelon Lemon Frozen Treats
Those big boxes of popsicles from the supermarket are tempting to kids, but tend to contain corn syrup and added sugar. You can make just as delicious of a pop at home, and with only a small amount of time and effort.
1 small seedless watermelon
2 lemons
Popsicle molds, or Dixie cups and craft sticks
Slice the watermelon into chunks, discarding the rind. Puree in a food processor until smooth. Mix in a large bowl with the juice from the lemons, and pour mixture into popsicle molds. Freeze for three hours, then serve.
DIY Trail Mix
There’s a reason why trail mix is a warm weather favorite among active people. The protein and fiber will keep your kids going, and the small amount of added salt replaces the sodium lost when kids sweat. Serve this DIY trail mix with a cup of water on a hot day for maximum hydration.
Ingredients:
½ cup sunflower seeds
½ cup dried cranberries
½ cup raisins
½ cup dark chocolate chips
½ teaspoon salt
Place the sunflower seeds on a baking sheet and roast at 350 for 15 minutes. Cool for one hour. Combine the seeds with all other ingredients in a large ziploc bag, and toss in your bag to serve on the go!
Frozen Fruit Skewers
Fruit is one of the healthiest foods you can offer to your kids, and most children love the taste. And because most fruit is packed with water, it’s a hydrating treat as well. These frozen fruit skewers offer hydration as well as much needed vitamins and antioxidants, as well as a bit of refreshing frozen goodness.
Ingredients:
Strawberries
Grapes
Banana slices
Wooden Skewers
Skewer your fruit and place on a baking sheet. Put baking sheet in the freezer for one hour, or until frozen, and serve.
Homemade Tortilla Pizzas
Pizza is a childhood crowd-pleaser, and Mexican flavors are never greeted with any argument. These mini pizzas combine the best of both worlds, and are easy to prepare. They offer protein and carbohydrates that will keep kids going on an active day.
Ingredients:
1 package corn tortillas
1 jar of mild salsa
1 bag of shredded cheddar cheese
Place tortillas on a foil-lined baking pan, and place a small mound of salsa and cheese on each tortilla. Put the tray in the oven on 350 degrees for ten minutes, or until the cheese begins to brown.
Banana Pops
The potassium in bananas is an electrolyte that’s important to replace on a hot day, when kids are sweating out the key nutrients they need to stay active. These chocolate banana skewers deliver will please every sweet tooth while offering this fruity, nutritious ingredient that kids need.
Ingredients:
4 bananas
6 ounces of dark chocolate
Wooden popsicle sticks or craft sticks
Peel and cut each banana in half, crosswise. Insert a craft stick into each banana half, place on a tray or plate, and place in the freezer for about an hour, or until frozen. Chop the chocolate and melt it in a double boiler over low heat, stirring frequently. Once melted, dip each frozen banana pop into the chocolate and place on a serving plate.
Does your family have a few tried and true summer snacks? Let us know in the comments section!