Summer Pantry Stock Up (Kids Edition)
School is out and summer is here! If you’re a mom, this means it's time for a summer pantry stock up! You know your kids are about to turn into snack monsters and be eating All. Day. Long. It always amazes me how much food we go through over the summer when the kids are home.
I’m going to share some of my kids favorite pantry snacks that don’t take a lot of work but first here are a few tips to keep in mind when stocking your pantry.
Tips For Your Summer Pantry Stock Up
All processed foods aren’t created equal. Yes the majority of processed foods aren’t quite as nutritious as fresh, whole foods but there are some great processed foods out there that can add great nutritional value and convenience to your busy days.
Snacks Should Match Needs. Just like adults, all kids have different nutritional needs. If your kid is an athlete and very active, they’re going to need more calories than a child who is not active. Same goes for a kid who may be struggling to gain weight and grow. Finding foods that are higher in calories for a smaller volume (hello caloric density!) will be important for them.
Dietitian & Kid Approved Snacks For Your Pantry
- Clif Mini Builder Bar
- Turkey stick and a Z Bar
- Kodiak Protein Granola Bar
- Annie’s cheddar bunnies with a side of Greek yogurt
- Popcorn and babybel cheese
- Pretzel sticks and peanut butter
- ½ peanut butter sandwich with a sliced apple
Tips to Make Snacks Easy
- Purchase special snack baskets for your pantry and put all approved snacks in those baskets so your kids know which snacks they can have anytime.
- Teach your kids that when they grab something from the pantry, they also have to have a snack from the fridge. Think things like fruit, yogurt, cheese sticks, etc to add color and nutrients.
- Put items like cookies, candy, and treats up high and out of sight.
- If they’re not eating much at meals because they’re filling up on snacks, put a time frame around snack time so they aren’t snacking right up until meal time.
Drinks
Even though I wouldn’t consider these snacks, I do think it’s important to review. Just say no to sugary drinks as much as possible. If your kids have a soda from time to time like when you go out to eat or at a birthday party or on the weekend it’s not going to be a huge deal, but if they are drinking 3 juice boxes or sodas a day while they’re home, those really add up on the sugar and empty calories.
Things like regular soda, juice, and juice box drinks add a TON of sugar and calories that your kids do not need. 1 can of coke has 39 grams of added sugar. The recommended daily limit for added sugar for kids is 25 grams. Juice boxes can have quite a bit as well so check the labels when you’re shopping. Even the ones that say “100% fruit juice” can have the most added sugar.
Don't Forget Healthy Meals!
While you're thinking about your summer pantry stock up for snacks, don't forget that your kids should also be getting in healthy meals. If you're struggling to come up with ideas, be sure to check out Healthy Summer Lunch & Snack Ideas for Kids
Things to Limit
Though I’m a firm believer of no foods being off limits, there should probably be parameters around some foods. Think about foods with empty nutrition like fruit snacks, Pop Tarts, Hostess cakes, and cookies. Do my own kids eat these? Sometimes! But these aren’t items we have regularly stocked in our pantry unless it’s a special occasion or if the grandparents come visit and bring the goods!
It’s helpful to teach your kids that there are some foods that will provide them with more nutritional value than others. They should know that it’s still okay to have Oreos from time to time but that these won’t provide them much helpful nutrition if they eat them daily.
Helpful Things You Can Do For Your Kids Nutrition
As the parent, you are in full control over the foods offered to your kids when they’re home. So if you don’t want them eating it, don’t bring it home from the store.
The best thing you can do as a parent is teach your kids balance and how to pick good snacks. Childhood obesity is at an all-time high due to kids eating more calories than their body’s need and inactivity. Just like adult obesity, childhood obesity sneaks up gradually over time. Remember it’s not the treats they have one day a week, it’s what they eat on a regular basis that has the most impact on their health.
Grab my Easy & Fun Summer Lunch & Snacks List to help you get started!
