Having a variety of good snacks for teens on hand is important, as it can keep them from overeating. It can also make them healthier and better prepared for the day ahead. The best snack for teens will include items that are low in calories, are nutritious, and are easy to eat. Here are some ideas:
Hummus
Hummus is a healthy snack. Traditionally made from chickpeas, it is a great way to enjoy the fiber and protein of vegetables with the added bonus of flavor. There are many different flavors of hummus, including roasted red pepper, chocolate, tahini, and sun-dried tomatoes.
For a fun and tasty hummus snack, try serving it with fresh fruit and veggies. It’s an easy way to add more vitamins and minerals to your kids’ diet.
You can purchase packaged hummus, but you can also make it at home. Hummus can be made with canned chickpeas, tahini, and extra-virgin olive oil. Then you can mix it in with salad dressing to create a tasty and nutritious dip.
Hummus is also a great sandwich filling. Rather than adding mayonnaise or mustard, hummus can be spread on whole-grain bread or pretzels. A portion of hummus will provide about 2 grams of fiber and about two grams of protein.
Hummus can also be used as a pizza topper. If you’re looking for a savory treat, try serving it with pita chips. Or, add it to a devilled egg.
To make hummus, add chickpeas, olives, garlic, tahini, and extra-virgin oil. Use herbs, such as basil and tomato, to add flavor. Serve on toasted bread. Garnish with olive oil and kosher salt.
Teens tend to have an insatiable appetite. They need to eat nutritious foods to maintain a healthy weight and stay active. Adding a few nutrient-dense snacks to the teen’s diet can help keep him or her satisfied.
Nut butter
There are a number of good snacks for teens, but when it comes to choosing the best options, it’s important to choose whole foods that will provide micronutrients and fuel a growing body. Teens need a variety of micronutrients to support their growing bodies and immune system. They also need protein and fat sources to grow strong.
Nut butter is one option. Spread it on an apple slice for a filling snack. This is a nutrient-dense combination, and you can make it extra fun by rolling it in nuts or chia seeds.
Other options include peanut butter, cashew butter, or almond butter. All of these nut butters are a good source of healthy fats and vitamins. You can use them to make sandwiches or as a dip for apples or celery.
Trail mix is another easy, nutrient-rich snack. You can buy packaged trail mixes from many companies. It can also be homemade. Try a mixture of nuts, dried fruit, and seeds for an even more wholesome snack.
Another savory-sweet snack is chicken salad. This recipe is packed with plant-based protein, a great source of calcium, and iron. Pair it with crackers or celery sticks for an even healthier, fiber-rich snack.
Another nutrient-dense snack is a banana. Bananas are a good source of potassium, and they help boost a teen’s fiber intake.
If a teen wants to try something sweet, then a nut butter and apple snack is a good choice. Avocados, grapes, and guacamole are other nut-friendly options.
Raisins
Raisins are a popular snack among teens. They have a number of health benefits. These include antioxidants, a low glycemic index, and a high amount of fiber.
One ounce of raisins provides one gram of soluble fiber. Fiber helps regulate digestion. It can also make you feel fuller longer.
Raisins also contain a variety of phytochemicals. These compounds may play an important role in cardiovascular health. Antioxidants help protect cells from free radical damage. Several studies have shown that raisins may lower blood pressure.
Raisins are a good source of Vitamin B. The vitamin assists in energy production and is important for the immune system.
Antioxidants also may decrease the risk of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. Some studies have suggested that the phenolic compounds in raisins may be the secret to their health benefits.
As with any other dried fruit, it is recommended to eat raisins in moderation. Eating a large amount of them can cause gastrointestinal upset.
Raisins are a better option than grapes. In fact, raisins are the top contender in the dried fruit category.
They are also a great substitute for junk food. Teens are ravenous and never get enough to eat. A good snack for them is a mixture of fruits, vegetables, grains, and proteins. Fruits provide energizing carbohydrates and fiber.
A better-for-you alternative to junk food is fruit smoothies. You can make one by blending four or five frozen banana chunks with low-fat milk. Add some vanilla extract and fresh fruit for added flavor.
Grapes
If you have children, you have probably heard about the health benefits of grapes. These fruits are rich in calcium, potassium, dietary fibre and antioxidants. They are also packed with a range of nutrients, including fructose and glucose.
Grapes are also full of dietary fibre, which helps keep your digestive system working efficiently. In addition, they contain a variety of vitamins, including vitamin C and K.
Grapes can be included in a wide range of dishes. They are perfect for snacking and are easy to prepare. You can even make grape sorbet and freeze it for a delicious treat.
Grapes are high in fiber and are a good source of vitamin C. A half-cup serving provides about 18 grams of carbohydrates, 1 gram of fiber and 0.2 g of fat.
When you buy fresh grapes, you should make sure they are ripe. This will ensure they are sweet.
The skin of the grapes is loaded with antioxidants. These compounds help protect your body from free radicals. It also contains flavonoids, which may benefit your heart and cardiovascular system.
When frozen, the natural sugars in grapes taste even better. Frozen grapes are a healthy, low-calorie snack.
When freezing, you should ensure that you use seedless grapes. These are a great choice because they are juicier.
Seedless grapes are a tasty, nutrient-rich fruit. A pound of grapes can be harvested from a vine.
Honey
If you are looking for a healthy snack to give your teen, then you may want to try honey. It has many benefits, and it’s also easy to incorporate into your child’s diet.
Besides being an enjoyable and tasty snack, honey can also help your child fight off infections. Not only does it have anti-microbial properties, it has antioxidants that can help prevent diseases.
Honey is also a great alternative to refined sugar. It’s easy to use in baking and smoothies. You can even spread it on veggies for a fun, healthy treat.
The health benefits of honey are many, including its ability to relieve symptoms of a cough. It can also be used to treat wounds and insect bites. However, it’s important to be aware of the possible side effects.
While it’s best to make sure your teen doesn’t have any allergic reactions to it, it can be a great way to add a little sweetness to their meals. In fact, it has the same calories as refined sugar.
One of the best things about honey is its flavor. Depending on the type of plants bees are using, you can get different flavors. Try clover honey, which has a sweet and bitter aftertaste.
Honey is also a great source of calcium and magnesium. This is good for growing teens, as their bodies are still forming. Also, it contains flavonoids and amino acids, which are antioxidants.
Whole grains
A great way to keep your family healthy is to start them off on whole grains. These are nutrient-dense foods with many health benefits. They’re also kid-friendly.
Whole grains are a great source of fiber, which promotes a healthy digestive system. Also, they have a low glycemic index. This makes them a good choice for people with diabetes. Choosing healthier snack options can help teens curb their appetites, which can help with weight control.
In addition to providing important nutrients, whole grains can be tasty. Try whole grain toast. Top it with nut butter and fresh fruit. You can add a slice of tomato or avocado.
Another whole grain snack is popcorn. Popcorn can be microwaved or made with less salt. It’s also a good choice for kids who don’t eat enough calcium. Just make sure to use a lower-fat variety.
Many kids need snacks to give them energy. Whole grains are a great source of energy. They are rich in protein, which helps children feel full. Protein helps the body build tissue and develop rapidly.
To enjoy the health benefits of whole grains, look for foods with a Nutrition Facts label. The label can tell you how much fiber is in the product. For example, a cereal or pretzel that has 10-19 percent of your daily fiber will be a good source.
One of the most common snack foods is crackers. These are a great source of protein, fiber and essential vitamins. Other snack items include granola bars. However, these may contain extra calories, unwanted fats, and added sugar.
