food-to-go

12 Great Snack Ideas for Kids On-the-Go

One of the many challenges we face as moms is what to pack for those outings with our toddlers and preschoolers.  We all know that healthier choices are made a home, but it does take planning and time to make sure that you pack great snacks when you are on-the-go.

 

12 snacks on the go for kids 

Here are our momstown favourite snacks-to-go;

 

1.  Dip it!  All kids love to dip whether its carrots and hummus or apples and yogurt, it's healthy and good for moms and kids! 

2.  Buy it! Pre-packaged Toddler snacks are easy and good for toddlers, in a pinch. 

3.  Pumpkin Spice Energy Balls on the Go- this gluten and nut-free snack is a simple treat to make and even freeze.

4.  While granola bars might be your usual grab and go snack, try the new no-sugar added varieties like these from SunRype.

5.  Freeze it! Mini Muffins are a great snack to have on hand and freeze easily.  These banana chocolate chip muffins are so moist and low in sugar and fat.

6.  Older kids will enjoy these ooey gooey Shreddies popcorn peanut butter treats for a quick snack-on-the-go. 

7.  Squeezable fruit is fun to take on the run for toddlers- be sure to check the ingredients for added sugars!

8.  Nut butter (or soy butter) plus oatmeal and some chia and flax will create these portable balls of healthy yumminess! 

9.  Roll it! If you have a dehydrator at home, you and your child should make some homemade strawberry fruit roll ups to take with you!

10.  Yogurt drinks are perfect for travelling and now you can get them with a spill-proof, resealable lid! 

11.  Make it fun to go!  Cut sliced meat and cheese into cute shapes or on toothpicks and healthy snacks are easier to pack and go!

12.  Mix it up! Raisins, Goldfish crackers, pretzels and cereal tossed together is a perfect mix on the run!

 

 

Posted by momstown team on 03/20/2013 - 17:28
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On the Go Pumpkin Spice Energy Balls

Like "Bo" from the Kids' CBC show "Bo on the Go", it seems like we are always on the go these days. From back-to-back dance classes to yoga, swimming and soccer, we are busy and someone is almost always hungry. We need snacks that are quick to make, easy to eat, and full of healthy foods that will power our bodies and give them the energy to, as Bo says, "go, go, go". These pumpkin spice energy balls check every category above, and they are simple enough that your junior chefs can get in the kitchen and help. Since they are also nut free, gluten free, soy free, and vegan, they are suitable for almost any location and set of dietary needs.

 

 

Pumpkin Spice Energy Balls

Ingredients:

1 cup roughly chopped medjool dates
1/2 cup quinoa flakes
1/2 cup pumpkin seeds (often labelled pepitos in stores)
1 tsp vanilla
3/4 tsp cinammon
1/8 tsp ground ginger
3-4 tbsp water (add as necessary)

Method:

1. Place dates in food processor, and process until they are finely chopped and begin to form a paste. Add 1-2 tbsp water if necessary.

2. Add quinoa flakes. pumpkin seeds, vanilla, cinnamon, and ginger to food processor.  Process for a few minutes, until the mixture turns into a dough.  Taste, and add an additional 1-2 tbsp water if mixture seems dry or you are having trouble getting all of the ingredients processed. 

 

 

3. Transfer dough to bowl, and refrigerate for approximately 30 minutes (note: this step isn't necessary, but it makes the dough easier to roll).

4. Pinch off a small portion of dough, and roll it between your hands to form a ball. Continue pinching off pieces of dough and forming balls until you have used up all the dough.  We prefer our balls a bit smaller, so aim for about a 1.5cm diametre, but you can make your energy bits in whatever size (or shape!) you choose.  You can even insert a toothpick into each one and turn it into a healthier version of a cake pop.

 

 

5. Store your power balls in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer until you're ready to take them on the go!

 

 

6. Optional: if you would like, you can roll your energy balls into flaked coconut, crushed crispy rice cereal, cocoa, or chopped nuts or seeds.

 

Posted by momstown team on 09/24/2012 - 11:52
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Planning your picnic or outdoor meal


family picnicIn the nice weather it’s hard not to want to pack a picnic with the family and head out to a shady space to enjoy a snack or meal.  This may be for a day trip or even just in your own back yard.


But what should you bring for your next picnic or outdoor snack?


First, start with the non-food items: Napkins, paper towels, paring knives, forks and spoons and extra plates or bowls.   Use a cooler or picnic basket to tote around all of your items.


For the food, don’t let convenience win out.  Healthy and eco-friendly snacks and picnic meals can happen! Yes, it can be easier to buy pre-packaged snacks for the kids or individual bags, but consider these options instead:


Sandwiches wrapped in reusable bags
As long as you have a cooler to keep sandwiches and other items cold enough until you sit to eat, sandwich options can be endless.  Egg salad, tuna, peanut butter, cream cheese and vegetables are all easy options and kid friendly.


Packaged snacks: Vegetables and Fruit
Luckily, Mother Nature took care of some of the best snacks and vegetables and fruit are very portable. Apples and bananas have their own packaging already.  Cut up fruits and veggies and wrap them in containers ready to go. 


Divide and Conquer
Pretzels and crackers are our favourite, portable snacks for a picnic.  Instead of buying small bags for each of the kids, we buy a big bag and bring small bowls to divide them easily. 


Hydration
Especially on warm days, staying hydrated is extremely important.  Make sure you have lots of water (or juice boxes) on hand.


What is the ultimate thing to pack when heading out for a picnic or outside meal?  A smile. :) The kids love eating outside and you don’t have to clean up the crumbs!

 

Posted by Momsense Rebecca on 07/12/2011 - 10:01
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Summer Stroller Snacks

Getting out of the day for a fun day outside is tough! When packing the umpteen bags needed full with sunscreen, sunhats, extra clothes (summer play is messy!), and numerous drinks - make sure you don’t forget snacks! The summertime heat may need a revamp of your usual takealong snacks by adding a cooler but that can get complicated.


Here are some great kid friendly snacks to bring along on momstown summer events and field trips and you don’t need to worry about keeping them cool!


Muffin mania
Try some great momstown muffin & cookie recipes and freeze them. Day of, pop them out of the freezer and by the time it’s snack time they will be nicely defrosted and taste like they were just made.banana muffin

Gluten, Diary & Nut free Strawberry Coconut Muffins
Rhubarb muffins
Healthy Oatmeal Cookies
Breakfast Bites (like a healthy cookie)
Ultimate Family Pumpkin Bread
Banana Bran Muffins


Rainbow Veggies
Cut up veggies of various colours the night before and give each child an array in their container. Veggies that have a lot of water content like cucumbers, peppers and cherry tomatoes are refreshing summer snacks. If you choose to pack a dip, don’t forget the ice pack & cooler to keep it cold.


Fruit and more fruitfruit guards
Fruit is nature’s solution for pre-packaged snacks! So much seasonal selection in the summer to pick from and fruit is so easy to wash and then throw in your bag. Worried about bruising a fresh peach or apple? Neat containers like Fruit Guards protect the fruit from banging next to your heavy water bottle.


Happy Snacking! What's your favourite stroller snack to pack for your hungry kids?

Posted by momstown mama on 06/24/2011 - 13:14
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