Growing kids tend to get hungry between meals and there are only so many times you can let them rummage through the fridge. Snacks make the perfect opportunity to sneak in some extra nutrients into your child’s diet. The packaged snack options that are so readily available in the market need to be avoided, as they are often full of refined flour, added sugars, and artificial ingredients. Instead of filling your child’s tummy with all this artificial junk, you can opt for some whole foods that will give your child the stamina and energy to get through the day.

Scroll down to take a peek at some healthy snack options that you can feed your child:

1. Yogurt

Yogurt is a good source of protein and calcium, making it an excellent snack for growing kids. The developing bones of the child need a constant supply of calcium, which yogurt can provide. Due to the live bacteria that are present in yogurt, it is also beneficial to the child’s digestive system. Instead of opting for yogurt that is marketed for kids, pick the plain, full-fat yogurt and sweeten it with a drizzle of honey or with some fresh fruit. However, make sure that you do not give honey to infants under 12 months of age.

2. Popcorn

Popcorn is actually a nutritious whole grain. Provided you don’t load the popcorn with unhealthy toppings, it can be a very healthy snack for kids. You need to, however, avoid giving popcorn to younger children as it can be a choking hazard.

3. Celery with peanut butter and raisins

This snack is popularly referred to as ‘ants on a log’, and it is a fun way to get your child to eat some vegetables. These three foods combine to provide kids with a good balance of carbohydrates, protein, and fat.

4. Nuts

Nuts make great snacks as they are rich in healthy fats, fiber, and antioxidants. Introducing nuts into your child’s diet right from an early age lowers the risk of him/her developing allergies to this food item. Make sure that your child is old enough to be able to handle the texture of nuts before giving it to them as a snack.

5. Sliced pears with ricotta cheese

Pears are a sweet treat that kids love to eat and it can be made even better with savory toppings. Pears have very high fiber content and when eaten with ricotta cheese spread on its slices, it provides both protein and calcium to your child’s diet.

6. Cottage cheese

This is a soft cheese and makes for a great snack for even infants to have. Cottage cheese is a good source of calcium, protein, vitamin B12 and selenium. Vitamin B12 is needed for the proper growth and brain development of children.

7. Oatmeal

Oats are high in soluble fiber and are a great snack option for kids. If possible, you

need to skip buying the oatmeal that comes in a package and make your own oatmeal with whole, rolled oats. You can add some diced apples or applesauce for some sweetness. Making oatmeal with milk will provide kids with additional protein and calcium.