Elevate Your Kids' Snack Game with These 3 Healthy and Delicious Options (+ Recipe)

At byAlex I try to keep waste to a minimum by using less packing materials and to keep the use of plastic to a minimum. At home I try to do the same thing. When the kids were smaller I gave them some fruit in a small box for their snack break at school. But now they grow bigger a mandarin or apple doesn’t satisfy their appetite. But I hate to give them the pre-packed bars you find in the grocery store. Too much plastic, way too much sugar and quite expensive I must say. I started to prep some healthy snack in the weekend. Get your kids involved in the preparation process and teach them about healthy eating habits.

Say goodbye to boring snacks wrapped in plastic and hello to happy snacking!

Home Made Easy Oatmeal Bars

Looking for a healthy snack option that can be made in advance and enjoyed on-the-go? Look no further than these byAlex homemade oatmeal bars! Made from simple, wholesome ingredients like oats, honey, and banana. These bars come together quickly and offer a satisfying snack that will keep your kids fueled and energized. These bars are perfect for a snack during school or a quick breakfast on busy mornings.

What you need:

150 gr. rolled oats
75 gr. peanut butter
1 banana
30 gr. honey
1 egg
50 gr. Almonds (or any other kind of nuts you like)
60 gr. dark chocolade (but my kids prefer white chocolate, so I use that)
Dash of sunflower oil

Preparation:

Pulse all ingredients in your Magimix. You still want it to be a little chunky. So pulse for a few seconds and check it if forms a dough or if you need to have another pulse.

Place the dough in a square tin of 20 x 20 cm and make it smooth on the top. This is best done with a wet pallet knife. Bake for 30 minutes in a pre-heated oven of 180 degrees Celcusius (350 degrees Fahrenheit). After the oatmeal bars are golden brown, turn the oven off and break the chocolate bar in a few pieces. Place them on top of the oatmeal bake and the heat of the oven will melt them. This will take max 5 minutes. When the cholate is melted you can cover the whole top of the bars with chocolate (use the back of a spoon for a better result).

Let it cool slightly before cutting the square in 6 pieces. Let is cool completely before taking a yummy bite.

Oatmeal Cookies with Loads of Taste Options

Another great option for healthy and delicious snacks are my favorite oatmeal cookies, inspired by Martha Steward. Since they're easy to make and come in a variety of flavors, you can't go wrong with adding them to your snack rotation. Get creative and involve your kids in the process by letting them choose their own flavor combinations and toppings. them a try and elevate your snack game!
This is a recipe for one batch, with 3 kids around I always make 2 batches at the same time. Stored in an air tight container they keep fresh for at least 2 weeks.

What you need:

175 gr. light-brown sugar
55 gr. unsalted butter, room temperature (or vegan butter)
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
350 gr. rolled oats
120 gr. all-purpose flour (or gluten free flour like buckwheat)
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
And 2 ingredients you like, like raisins, cranberries, nuts, peanut butter, chocolate chips, coconut. Add like taste, but 125 gr. cranberries and 125 gr. nuts is a good a good proportion.

Preparation:

To get started, mix together all ingredients by hand. Then, add in your favorite ingredients like chocolate chips, raisins, or chopped nuts. For a fun twist, try adding shredded coconut or dried fruit to the mix. With an ice cream-scoop make little balls of dough and place them with a little apart (+/- 5 cm). Bake until golden, about 18 minutes for large cookies and 14 minutes for small cookies in a pre-heated oven of 180 degrees Celsius (350 degrees Fahrenheit)

One of the great things about oatmeal cookies is that the flavor possibilities are endless. You can make them sweet or savory, depending on your mood. Some popular flavor combinations include banana nut, peanut butter and jelly, and maple pecan.

Apple Sandwiches with Peanut Butter and Granola

Another delicious and healthy snack idea for kids is apple sandwiches with peanut butter and granola. This snack is easy to make after school, and the combination of flavors and textures is sure to be a hit with kids.
To make apple sandwiches, start by cutting an apple into thin rounds, removing the core and seeds. Spread a layer of peanut butter on one side of each apple slice, then sprinkle granola on top. Place another apple slice on top to create a sandwich.

These apple sandwiches are not only delicious, but they're also packed with nutrients. Apples are a great source of fiber and vitamin C, while peanut butter provides protein and healthy fats. Granola adds crunch and extra nutrients such as fiber, protein, and iron.

Bonus Recipe: Homemade Energy Balls

If you're looking for a snack that's both energizing and delicious (also for you!), homemade energy balls are a fantastic option. Not only are they simple to make, but they're also loaded with healthy ingredients that will leave you feeling satisfied and fueled for hours.

To make these energy balls, start by blending together 150 gr. dates, 150 gr. Cashew nuts, and 2 tsp. of peanut butter and 2 tps. of rolled oats in a food processor. Once the mixture is finely ground, add a little dash of honey, and vanilla extract, and blend until a sticky dough forms.

Next, roll the dough into small balls and coat them in shredded coconut, sesame seads or cocoa powder for extra flavor. You can also customize these energy balls by adding in other ingredients such as chia seeds or dried fruit.
Keep these energy balls on hand for a quick and easy snack that you can grab on the go. They're perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth while also providing a boost of energy and nutrition.

Making healthy and delicious snacks for your kids can be done with ease! These three snacks - homemade oatmeal bars, oatmeal cookies, and apple sandwiches with peanut butter and granola - are packed with nutritious ingredients that will keep your kids fueled throughout the day. Plus, getting your kids involved in the preparation process is a great way to teach them about healthy eating habits. So go ahead and give these recipes a try, and elevate your kids' snack game to new heights! As the saying goes, "you are what you eat," so let's make sure our kids are snacking smart.