World Health Day 2024: Nutritious Snacks For The Entire Family

World Health Day 2024: Nutritious snacks are essential for maintaining energy levels and providing important nutrients throughout the day, especially for families with busy schedules.

Nutritious Snacks For The Entire Family (Image Source: Getty)

By incorporating a variety of wholesome ingredients, families can enjoy snacks that are not only delicious but also provide essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, fibre, and protein. Let's have a look at seven nutritious snack ideas for families, exploring their nutritional benefits and easy preparation methods. (Image Source: Getty)

Veggie Sticks with Hummus: Veggie sticks with hummus make for a crunchy and flavorful snack that's packed with nutrients. Colorful vegetables like carrots, cucumbers, bell peppers, and celery are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, while hummus provides a creamy and protein-rich dip. Chickpeas, the main ingredient in hummus, offer a good source of protein, fiber, and essential nutrients such as iron and folate. Simply wash and chop the vegetables into sticks and serve them alongside store-bought or homemade hummus for a convenient and nutritious snack option that's perfect for munching on the go. (Image Source: Getty)

Smoothie: Smoothies are a convenient and delicious way to pack a variety of nutrients into a single snack. By blending together a combination of fruits, vegetables, protein sources, and liquids, families can create customized smoothies that cater to their taste preferences and dietary needs. Common ingredients for smoothies include frozen fruits like berries, bananas, and mangoes, leafy greens such as spinach or kale, Greek yogurt or protein powder for added protein, and a liquid base like milk, almond milk, or coconut water. Smoothies are not only refreshing but also provide a good source of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber, making them an ideal snack option for families on the go. (Image Source: Getty)

Apple Slices with Nut Butter: Apple slices with nut butter make for a delicious and satisfying snack that's perfect for satisfying hunger between meals. Apples are a good source of fiber, vitamin C, and various antioxidants, while nut butter provides healthy fats, protein, and essential nutrients such as magnesium and vitamin E. Almond butter, peanut butter, and cashew butter are popular choices, but any nut or seed butter can be used depending on preference and dietary restrictions. Simply slice an apple and spread a tablespoon of nut butter on each slice for a nutritious and filling snack that's both sweet and savory. (Image Source: Getty)

Fruit and Yogurt Parfait: A fruit and yogurt parfait is a versatile and nutritious snack option that can be customized to suit individual preferences. Greek yogurt serves as the base, providing a rich source of protein, calcium, and probiotics, which are beneficial for gut health. Fresh fruits such as berries, bananas, and mangoes add natural sweetness, as well as vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber. To assemble, simply layer Greek yogurt with chopped fruits and a sprinkle of granola or nuts for added texture and crunch. This snack is not only satisfying but also offers a balance of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats, making it ideal for fueling busy families. (Image Source: Getty)

Cheese and Whole Grain Crackers: Cheese and whole grain crackers are a simple yet satisfying snack option that provides a balance of protein, carbohydrates, and fats. Cheese is a rich source of protein and calcium, while whole grain crackers offer fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Opt for varieties of cheese that are lower in sodium and saturated fat, such as mozzarella, feta, or goat cheese. Pair the cheese with whole grain crackers or whole wheat pita chips for a nutritious and crunchy snack that's perfect for satisfying midday cravings. (Image Source: Getty)

Trail Mix: Trail mix is a convenient and portable snack that combines a variety of nuts, seeds, and dried fruits for a satisfying and nutrient-dense treat. Nuts like almonds, walnuts, and cashews provide healthy fats, protein, and essential vitamins and minerals such as magnesium and vitamin E. Seeds such as pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds add crunch and are rich in nutrients like iron, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids. Dried fruits like raisins, cranberries, and apricots contribute natural sweetness and provide vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber. Dark chocolate chips or chunks can also be added for a touch of sweetness and additional antioxidants. To make trail mix, simply mix together your desired combination of nuts, seeds, and dried fruits in a bowl, and portion them into individual snack bags for easy grab-and-go snacks. (Image Source: Getty)

Popcorn: Air-popped popcorn is a whole grain snack that's light, crunchy, and satisfying. Popcorn is naturally low in calories and fat, making it a guilt-free snack option that's high in fiber and antioxidants. To make air-popped popcorn, simply add popcorn kernels to an air popper and let them pop until fully cooked. Once popped, season the popcorn with herbs, spices, or nutritional yeast for added flavor without the need for excess salt or butter. Popcorn can be enjoyed as a standalone snack or paired with a serving of nuts or dried fruits for added nutrition and variety. (Image Source: Getty)

Inputs by Dietician Garima Goyal (Image Source: Getty)