Back To School Snacks

Well, it is that time again, time to head back to school. Most parents find it difficult to be creative with school lunches and snacks, but it can be especially challenging when you have a gluten-free child. Try not to look at this as one more chore on your list, but more of an adventure you can go on with your child. I think it is a great idea to take your kids to the store and let them really explore the options. Try not to rush them. There are new gluten-free products available all of the time, so let them search for new options. Most kids are far more likely to actually eat the food they pack for school if they get to choose their food. I find this even more important when you have children who are restricted with their diet in one way or another.

This can be the perfect time to invite your kids into the kitchen and let them get creative with their food, no matter how young they are. Kids of all ages can help make a fruit salad, which can be much more interesting to eat than apple slices. The fruit choices are endless at this time of year, with vibrant colors and different textures. It is easy to make a large fruit salad and divide it up into single serving containers for the week. A quick splash of lemon juice will keep your fruit bright and fresh.

Yogurt is great, but can get expensive to buy in individual containers. An easy solution is to buy a large container of vanilla yogurt and divide it up. Fresh or frozen fruit can be added to make any flavor of yogurt desired. To make this snack even more fun, include a small container of gluten-free granola to add just before eating.

Wraps can be very fun and very individual. Start with a gluten-free tortilla and add anything from thinly sliced veggies (carrots, cucumbers, bell peppers, tomatoes, avacodos, etc.), a protein (left over chicken, turkey, beef, sliced hard boiled egg, cheese, etc.), and a spread (hummus, quacamole, mustard, mayo). You get the idea, let your kids have fun with it.

I have always found that my kids need a little protein in their afternoon snack. They seem to function far better as they start their homework if they have had a little protein. So, I will leave you with one more great option. Buckwheat is high in protein along with many other valuable nutrients to help the mind and body function well. My cookbook offers many wonderful muffins, breads as well as granola bars, that make great snacks.

I wish you all a great school year, full of fun, laughter, learning and Delicious food!