healthy recipes snacks for teenager

Creating healthy snacks for teenagers can be both fun and nutritious! Here are some easy recipes that are packed with flavor and goodness:

Fruit and Yogurt Parfait

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Greek yogurt (plain or flavored)
• 1 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
• ¼ cup granola or nuts
• Honey or maple syrup (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a glass or bowl, layer the Greek yogurt, mixed berries, and granola.
2. Drizzle with honey or maple syrup if desired.
3. Repeat the layers as needed and serve immediately.

Veggie Hummus Cups

Ingredients:

• 1 cup hummus (store-bought or homemade)
• Assorted fresh vegetables (carrots, cucumber, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes)

Instructions:

1. Cut the vegetables into sticks or bite-sized pieces.
2. Fill small cups with hummus and serve with the vegetable sticks for dipping.

Peanut Butter Banana Bites

Ingredients:

• 1 banana
• 2 tablespoons peanut butter or almond butter
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
• Chopped nuts or granola (optional)

Instructions:

1. Slice the banana into rounds.
2. Spread a small amount of peanut butter on each banana slice.
3. Drizzle with honey and top with chopped nuts or granola if desired.
4. For a fun twist, sandwich two banana slices with peanut butter in between.

Cheese and Whole Grain Crackers

Ingredients:

• Assorted cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or string cheese)
• Whole grain or seed-based crackers
• Optional: Sliced apple or grapes

Instructions:

1. Cut cheese into cubes or slices.
2. Serve with whole grain crackers and optional fruit for a balanced snack.

Energy Bites

Ingredients:

• 1 cup oats
• ½ cup nut butter (peanut, almond, or sunflower)
• ¼ cup honey or maple syrup
• ½ cup chocolate chips or dried fruit
• ½ cup ground flaxseed or chia seeds (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients until well mixed.
2. Form small balls (about 1 inch in diameter) and place them on a baking sheet.
3. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set, then store in an airtight container in the fridge.

Popcorn Trail Mix

Ingredients:

• 4 cups air-popped popcorn
• ¼ cup nuts (almonds, walnuts, or peanuts)
• ¼ cup dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, or apricots)
• 2 tablespoons dark chocolate chips or seeds (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the air-popped popcorn with nuts, dried fruit, and chocolate chips.
2. Toss to mix and serve in individual bags or bowls for a portable snack.

Tips for Healthy Snacking:

• Involve Teens: Let teens help in the kitchen to make them more interested in healthy snacks.
• Make it Portable: Prepare snacks that are easy to grab and go, perfect for busy school days.
• Use Whole Ingredients: Focus on whole foods, like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
• Limit Sugar: Choose snacks that are low in added sugars.

These healthy snack ideas can help keep teens energized, satisfied, and ready to tackle their day.