Boo! Halloween is upon us and for kids (okay, grown-ups too) that means fun, games, dressing up and lots of treats. It’s difficult to avoid sugar, especially this time of year. So we came up with snack ideas to help your dancer get back into the swing of healthier eating.
Studies show that healthy snacks contribute to improved concentration, better recall, and help kids stay on task. Students who have regularly scheduled snacks and who don’t go for more than three hours without eating, even something small, have less anxiety and are reported to be more happy and alert.
Plan ahead and send your busy dancer off to the studio with one of these delicious, easy-to-prepare snacks. They’ll have tons more energy without feeling too full to dance. Here are some of our favorites:
Say Cheese
One ounce of protein-packed cheese is simple, satisfying and even tastier paired with sweet apple slices or strawberries.
Fruit Kabobs
Take whatever fruit you have on hand and stick it on a skewer. It’s wholesome, healthy and fun for kids to eat.
Hummus with Carrots/Red Pepper Slices
Kids love the taste of creamy hummus with crunchy carrots or red pepper.
Bananas/Apples/Celery with Nut Butter
Smear fruits or veggies with 1-2 Tbsp. of their favorite nut butter.
Avocado Toast
Smear half of an avocado on one piece of high-quality whole wheat or gluten-free bread. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Popcorn with Coconut Oil
Heat 2 Tbsp. of organic coconut oil and add a half a cup of popcorn kernels. Cover with lid and gently shake over the burner until it all pops – yum!
Nuts, Dried Fruit and Dark Chocolate Chips
Mix together raw or roasted almonds, cashews, walnuts, pecans, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds with dried cranberries, cherries, apricots, mango, and pineapple. Add a few dark chocolate chips and you’ve got healthy, homemade trail mix!
Protein/Veggie Rolls
Take a piece of thinly sliced oven-roasted chicken/turkey breast and lay flat. Put one piece of cheese in the center, along with a one slice of avocado and cucumber.
Put a healthier spin on snack time year round with these alternatives. Your dancer will find them ghoulishly good!
