As a busy mom, you’ve got a lot to do and little time to do it all! Mornings are full of chaos, rush and checklists. I can’t count the number to times I told myself « I forgot to pack the kids’ snacks! », and having a snack at school is a BIG deal for my children! Ensuring your kids have nutritious and healthy snacks to fuel their day at school can be a challenge. We are in the same boat and I want to help you! Here are some grab-and-go snack ideas you can prepare days in advance.

With just the minimum planning, you can prepare yummy, healthy snacks that your kids will love and that will keep them energized. I need to start with a disclaimer: I’m not a nutritionist, I’m just a busy mom trying to help busy moms!

Here are 5 easy and healthy snacks ideas for your kids for the whole school week!

1. Stay simple – fresh fruits & veggies

• Those are a busy mom’s best friends. Stock up on a variety of fresh fruits and veggies that require little to no preparation, such as baby carrots, cherry tomatoes, apple slices, grapes, and berries.

• Pre-cut and portion them into small containers so that you only have to transfer them into snack bags before leaving the house in the morning.

• You can do one day fruits and one day veggies!

2. Think about protein-packed snacks

• Protein is essential to maintain energy and concentration. Especially if your kids have after school activities. So make it a regular component of their school snacks. Opt for easy protein-packed options like cheese sticks, yogurt, hummus with veggies, hard-boiled eggs or a half peanut butter sandwich.

• You can also prepare homemade nut-free snack bites (recipe here ).

3. Energize with whole grains

• Whole grains are rich in fiber and complex carbohydrates, providing a steady source of energy. Incorporate them into your kids’ snacks with options like whole grain crackers with cheese, popcorn (air-popped or lightly seasoned), whole grain muffins or mini sandwiches.

• You can experiment with different flavors and toppings.

4. Create your own personalized trail mix

• Trail mix is a versatile and customizable snack that can be tailored to your kids’ preferences and dietary needs. Buy or create your own trail mix using a mix of nuts, seeds, dried fruits, a sprinkle of dark chocolate chips or M&M’s, Cheerios, mini pretzels…

• Throw everything together in a sealed container and store in a cool and dry area. When needed, portion out individual servings into snack bags.

5. And to finish – nut butter & banana roll-ups

• Spread a thin layer of nut butter (almond or peanut butter) onto a tortilla.

• Place a banana on top and roll it up tightly.

• Slice the roll-up into bite-sized pieces and put it in a small snack bag.

Don’t forget water!

Staying hydrated is key. Encourage your kids to drink plenty of water throughout the day by packing a reusable water bottle. I even monitor each night what is left (yes, I live in Atlanta and summer can be VERY hot here)!

These easy, healthy and nutritious snack ideas will give you a full week of snacks options! They will help you take the stress out of your busy mornings knowing your kids are fueled with the energy they need to have a great school day. And once in a while you can include a « not so healthy » snack, they will appreciate it even more than before 🙂

If you have any question

If you have any question, just send me a message and I will be happy to help!

You will find a lot of tips to answers your questions in my other blog posts.

Laure Pascal-Glorieux is a lifestyle photographer specialized in family photography and personal branding photography. Laure lives in Atlanta GA.