While, ideally, you want to schedule any session with your children around mealtimes, this doesn’t work out for everyone. Having hungry kids at your portrait session is almost always a recipe for tantrums. Even if you have planned your session to fall between meal and snack times it is always best to have something on hand just in case. Here are some healthy snack ideas that won’t leave your kids a sticky mess.
- Fruit.
Fruit is always a great snack and when you want your kids to remain mess-free, apple slices are the best option. Bananas and apples tend to not be as messy or sticky and are easy for kids to eat without getting juice all over them as they would with other fruits. Grapes are also an easy snack to pack on the go and kids love them. If you have younger kids be sure to half them before you head out the door.
2. Veggie sticks and hummus.
For a fuss-free healthy snack slice up a variety of veggies like celery, sweet peppers, carrots, and cucumber, and pack some hummus for them to dip in. Combining hummus and veggies will help your kids feel full so you won’t have to worry about them asking for more minutes later.
3. Trail mix.
Trail mix is a super easy healthy snack idea you can have fun with. Combine nuts, dried fruit, and whole-grain cereal. Use your imagination and you can make a variety of different trail mixes to keep things interesting. Avoid adding chocolate, though! 😉
4. Whole wheat wraps.
Use some small tortillas to create a turkey, lettuce, and cheese wrap. You can cut these into bite-size portions to make it easier for your kids to eat. If want to cut back on the bread products leave out the tortilla and wrap the cheese and turkey in the lettuce.
5. Home-made muffins.
Most prepackaged muffins are filled with artificial flavors, sugar, and other ingredients you don’t want to give your kids. For a healthier alternative, try making your own muffins. Banana walnut, zucchini, oatmeal raisin muffins, and even apple cinnamon muffins can be made to cut back on the sugar and increase the nutritional value. Plus, muffins are easy to transport, don’t need to be refrigerated, and cause little to no mess aside from a few stray crumbs.
Of course, the standby options of cheerios and yogurt puffs work great, too! Keeping your kiddo full and being prepared are the best ways to help ensure a successful portrait session.
