When searching for nutritious foods to serve your toddler, always start with the basics. They are accessible, easy to make, more filling and are jam packed with nutritional value. Try out these healthy kids snacks which will surely leave your toddler wanting for more.

Cereal

Go for whole grain cereals instead of cereals made from refined grains. They have less sugar content and are a better source of calcium, fiber and minerals. Try mixing it with dried fruits and nuts or add some milk and a few slices of fruits for a power-packed snack.

Cheese

A favorite dairy product of most children, cheese is the number source of calcium which is very essential in building up strong bones and teeth. Cheese is also rich in vitamin B12 that can reduce the high percentage of toddlers having anemia. Since it can burn fat, it helps prevent obesity as well.

Eggs

A good source of omega-3, regular intake of eggs help boost your toddler’s cognitive development. Choose from hard-boiled eggs, scrambled eggs or a sunny side up. An omelet sandwich is also a healthy snack, perfect for your energetic and on-the-go toddler.

Fruits

A very good substitute to sugary foods, fruits are the best snacks any toddler can munch on. Your toddler can eat countless fruits in a day, you no longer have to worry of its negative effects. Fresh fruits like apple, banana, grapes, kiwi, mango, melon and pear are good sources of fiber. Having enough supply of fiber in the body provides good cleansing of intestinal tracts which is very crucial in regulating your little one’s digestive system. Plus, it also helps avoid irregular bowel movements. Dried fruits like apricot, blueberry, cherry and raisins reduces the risk of health complications like asthma and liver cancer.

To give your toddler variety, mix low fat milk or yogurt with his favorite fruits. Fruit smoothies and homemade fruit juice are also ideal snacks. Just combine milk, a small amount of sugar and several slices of strawberries, watermelon, etc. to a blender.

Nuts

All kinds of nuts are healthy. Nuts give off healthy oils which helps strengthen your toddler’s brain cells. Encourage your little one to try out various nuts such as almonds, cashews, pistachios and walnuts. Another great alternative are pumpkin seeds. You can mix nuts and seeds together so your toddler will enjoy picking out different shapes and colors.

Peanut Butter

A versatile childhood favorite, peanut butter is undeniably a no-brainer healthy kid snack. It supplies your toddler’s body with sufficient amounts of fiber, folate, phosphorus, protein, potassium and zinc. Spice up this classic favorite by mixing it with yogurt and strawberries. Freeze it for 30 minutes to an hour for a super fun treat. Or, mix peanut butter and jelly and use waffles instead of plain loaf bread.

Quesadillas

If your toddler is tired of eating the usual healthy snacks, feed him quesadillas. This Mexican meal is stuffed with vitamins and minerals. Replace ground pork with grilled chicken strips. Add cheese, small slices of lettuce and tomatoes. Lastly, top it off with his preferred vegetable salsa dip.

Popcorn

Avoid flavored popcorn like butter and artificial cheese. Opt for plain popcorn instead. Just add a little salt and sprinkle with low-fat Parmesan cheese or mix in dried fruits (e.g. raisins, banana chips, cranberries, etc.).

Vegetables

Veggies are undeniably the most nutritious snack for toddlers. Train your toddler to eat vegetables instead of chips and chocolates. The key here is to offer various choices of veggies to your toddler. Slice vegetables like carrots, corn, celery, broccoli and potatoes into small portions. This will serve as his finger foods. Mix all of them together. Do not forget to add ranch dressing or a cheese dip for added flavor.

Yogurt

Antioxidants, calcium and fiber are only some of the nutrients your toddler’s body can get from yogurt. Stick to plain flavored low fat yogurt to steer clear from artificial ingredients. Whip up a yogurt parfait to make it tastier. Make a homemade fruit yogurt popsicle by adding berries and granola to it.