Summer snacks that can keep kids strong and healthy

Summer normally implies children spend some time around the house. Idle time sometimes implies children are wandering around the kitchen in full expectation of discovering a fast and simple snack — and often an unwholesome one. To assist maintain children safe, be sure to store the refrigerator and pantry with nutritious meals that children will appreciate. Start with a broad array of meal decisions from the food groups of milk, fruit, vegetables and grains.

Promoting outdoor exercise, a cool dip in the bath, and other physical operations are also component of a healthy children's equation.

Some snacking tips that create the work of a parent simpler: 

• Plan ahead and purchase good meals when you shop for the week.


• Prepare the meals in tiny plastic containers for your child to catch on the go.

• Prepare the meals in tiny plastic containers for your child to catch on the go.

• Keep good meals in your fridge or cupboard and let children assist themselves.


• Combine snacks from two or more food groups, like raspberry yogurt, low-fat chocolate milk and a banana in a blender for a cool, refreshing treat.

The Dairy Council of California’s meal-planning Web site (www.mealsmatter.org) contains hundreds of free and easy-to-make, kid-friendly recipe ideas, including the Apple Bagel Sandwich. Parents can try this and hundreds of other great-tasting recipes and snack ideas to help their children stay healthy during summer.