Instead of grabbing a kids’ Zbar (I’m guilty of this too often), here are a bunch of snack ideas that also happen to be healthy and energy-giving. 🙂

If I’m really hungry, I try to make sure to include some protein in my snacks, like nuts, nut butter, yogurt. And if I’m only slightly hungry or if it’s getting close to dinner time, first I’ll try drinking a big glass of water (sometimes I find it’s actually thirst instead of hunger). If I’m still hungry, I’ll snack on something lighter, like fruit or veggies.

All of these are also kid-approved — they’re all snacks my girls love too!

Here are some of my favorite healthy snacks that are also quick and simple to make:

• Peanut butter yogurt: This is one of my favorite snacks full of protein. Mix together 1 cup plain Greek yogurt with 1-2 tablespoons of peanut butter. Then top it with a sprinkle of granola, berries, bananas, or other favorite toppings.
• Raw almonds and cashews with dark chocolate chips. One serving of nuts is about 1/4 cup and then I add in a small handful (about 10) dark chocolate chips.
• Iced green tea and a piece of fruit. I love this combination when it’s warm outside.
• Plain Greek yogurt topped with granola and berries. My favorite store-bought granola is Purely Elizabeth.
• Carrots and hummus.
• Peanut butter banana toast: Toast a slice of bread (Dave’s Killer Bread is my favorite), spread peanut butter on top, then sliced banana and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
• A glass of kombucha and fresh fruit.
• Apple slices and 1 tablespoon peanut or almond butter. This is always a favorite.
• Avocado toast: Toast a slice of bread (Dave’s Killer Bread is my favorite), spread avocado on top, then sprinkle with pink Himalayan salt or Trader Joe’s Everything But the Bagel Sesame Seasoning Blend.
• Cashews and grapes. This is a simple combo but filling with 1/4 cup cashews.
• Plantains and mashed avocado or guacamole. Trader Joe’s Toasted Plantains are delicious.
• Mary’s Gone Crackers and a small amount of cheddar cheese.
• Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie from Detoxinista. This always tastes like such a treat but is full of healthy ingredients.
• Dried unsweetened mango or apricots. Trader Joe’s has unsweetened versions of both.

Here are favorite healthy snacks that are easy to make or bake, but take a little more planning or time to put together:

• Chia seed pudding. Whisk together 1/2 cup of chia seeds with 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk and 1/2 cup coconut milk (not from the can) with 1 tablespoon maple syrup. Let it sit in the fridge for a few hours or overnight. Then you can top it with unsweetened coconut flakes, berries, granola or cacao nibs. Or eat it on its own. This recipe makes 3-4 servings, and my girls love this too.
• Trail mix. Mix together as much of each as you like: cashews and other nuts your kids like (almonds, peanuts, etc.), raisins, Wheat Chex, unsweetened dried cranberries, dark chocolate chips, dried apricots and seeds like sunflower and pumpkin.
• Veggies and Hemp Seed Ranch Dressing. This is delicious with raw broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, cucumber, zucchini. To make the Hemp Seed Ranch Dressing: In a blender, blend together 1/2 cup hemp hearts, 1/3 cup water, 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt, juice of 1 lemon, 1/2 teaspoon dried dill, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon dried parsley, 1/4 teaspoon salt. Store it in the fridge and dip veggies into it or use as salad dressing.
• Lemon Blueberry Bran Muffins. I love making muffins with my girls and keeping them in the freezer to grab any time.
• Banana Chia Muffins from Tone It Up. These are so delicious! I love making muffins with my girls and keeping them in the freezer to grab any time.
• Roasted sweet potatoes and Bitchin’ Sauce. This is a new favorite and it’s so delicious. Have you tried Bitchin’ Sauce? The chipotle flavor is my favorite. If you have leftover roasted sweet potatoes from a dinner, then this is a super quick snack.
• Crispy Chickpeas from Yay for Food.
• One Bowl Cinnamon Banana Muffins from Kristine’s Kitchen.

What are some of your favorite quick and healthy snacks?