It’s summer and the kids have already been home for at least a week! Is it just me, or are they ALWAYS HUNGRY?! If you want to avoid the inevitable “Mommy, I’m hungry” whine a thousand times a day, here are some healthier snack ideas to keep them filled and happy through the day. You could get them involved in preparing some of these, for some extra summer fun!

1.   

Air-Popped Popcorn…If your kids love popcorn, it’s time to get popping! An air popper will make a filling snack in about 3 minutes. I got my machine for about $20 on Amazon, and it lives on my counter top. No oil necessary, and butter and salt are optional. Add fun mix-ins like Parmesan cheese or chocolate chips!

2.   

Popsicles – Cut up fresh fruits like watermelon, strawberries and mango. Fill popsicle molds with a few pieces of fruit and 100% fruit juice (like apple or orange juice). You can even add some of yogurt into the mold. Freeze and enjoy on those hot summer days!

3.   

Tortilla “Pizzas” – Grab a pack of small flour tortillas next time you’re at the store. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees. Lay out a few tortillas in a single layer on a baking sheet, and spread a little ketchup on each. Sprinkle with shredded cheese, then add toppings…olives, pepperoni, diced bell peppers…whatever your kids love!  We’re big fans of Hawaiian pizza, so we usually add cooked bacon or ham and pineapple. Bake until cheese is melted, about 6 minutes.

4.   

Banana Ice Cream – One ingredient ice cream? Yup! To make 2 servings, slice 3 ripe bananas into evenly-sized circles. Place in a freezer-safe bag or bowl. Freeze for at least 3 hours. Place half of the frozen banana pieces in a blender or small food processor. Start blending – it will start to look crumbly, then gooey. Keep blending, pausing to stir often, until it starts to turn creamy, like soft-serve ice cream. Blend for a few more seconds to aerate. Blend the remaining frozen bananas. Eat immediately as soft-serve, or freeze ice cream until more solid.

5.   

Grab and Go Snacks – Keep your kitchen stocked with easy to access fruits such as bananas and clementines. Summer fruits such as cherries, peaches and plums also a sweet treat (make sure and pit for smaller kids). Other options include tortilla chips, veggie chips, string cheese and peanut butter. In our house, we have a low kitchen drawer filled with kid plates and bowls, so they can completely serve themselves from our pantry or fruit bowl on the counter. Fill up water bottles for each child in the morning, so they can drink and keep hydrated through the day.

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