7 kid-approved healthy snacks to take to the pool
If you plan on spending a lot of time at the pool or beach this summer (lucky you!), you probably don’t want to rely on the snack shacks to feed your hungry, waterlogged little swimmers. So, when you’re packing your pool bag, here are some easy eats to stash in the cooler. Trust us: They provide a healthier punch than, say, funnel cakes, mini pizzas and hot dogs chased by Pepto-Bismol.
Homemade ‘Fruit by the Foot’: Because we recognize food is more fun when you can play with it, too, we’re including a recipe for a homemade ‘Fruit by the Foot.’ If you grew up in the ’90s or later, you know these snacks reign supreme in elementary cafeterias. (You might also know they don’t play well with braces.) Popularity aside, the gooey fruity strips are total sugar bombs. Thankfully, registered dietitian — Sarah Waybright — has come up with a fruit leather recipe that incorporates real bananas and strawberries, sweetened by a lil’ bit of honey. The recipe is featured on her blog, Why Food Works. Bonus, you can use any of the leftover puree as a facial mask.
Frozen yogurt-covered berries: Use a toothpick to dip your strawberries or blueberries into yogurt. Place them on a cookie sheet or plate lined with wax paper and freeze them overnight.
Watermelon: The juicy melon is fun for kids to eat and, since it’s packed with water, it will help keep them hydrated on a hot day. Save money by chopping up your own watermelon rather than buying the pre-cut, pre-packaged pieces at the grocery store. Your watermelon can go a long way. After a long day at the pool, use it to make a margarita for yourself or a salad to go along with dinner with these 10 Refreshing Recipes from theKitchn.
Frozen grapes: Take the stems off some purple and green grapes, disperse them on a plate and freeze. The grapes get a little bit sweeter after freezing. Bring them to the pool as a snack or blend up 2 cups of grapes with a 1/2 cup of vanilla yogurt and 1/2 cup of water for a post-pool grape smoothie.
Fruit kabobs: Cut up small chunks of fruit — cantaloupe, strawberries, banana, grapes — and let your kids assemble them on skewers.
Banana and peanut butter sandwich: Slice a banana in half length-wise, spread peanut butter in the middle and then place it back together for a protein and potassium-packed snack.
Trail mix: It’s not just for hiking anymore. Mix in some protein-packed nuts with raisins, dried fruit and give it a sweet kick with some peanut M&Ms.
Headed to the pool or beach this summer? Find great discounts on pool toys for your kids at Hayneedle, Walmart and Toys ‘R’ Us.
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