The back-to-school season can be both an exciting and stressful time. There’s lots of planning that goes into creating nourishing and balanced meals and snacks that kids will love. Instead of trying to start from scratch, try thinking through simple swaps that your kids already know and love. Natural Delights Medjool Dates are perfect for snack time as they give you an easy way to skip the added sugar and add some delicious, all-natural sweetness. Swap out your favorite indulgences for a healthier option without sacrificing flavor and sweetness!
Did you know you can create an easy treat that tastes just like Snickers with only a few ingredients? Simply fill Medjool dates with creamy peanut butter and top with chopped peanuts and melted chocolate. You can pop these in the freezer for a few minutes to solidify the chocolate. This is the perfect way to satisfy your kiddo's sweet tooth without the unnecessary added sugars and processed ingredients. Plus, these are small and portable - perfect for little hands!
Bento boxes are compartmentalized meal prep containers you can fill with whole grains, protein, fruit, veggies, and dips. They are similar to Lunchables but more nutritious. This is also a great way to get the kids involved and have fun making their own bento box lunch.
Here’s some inspiration on what to fill it with:
Apples and caramel are a great way to encourage your little ones to eat their apples for additional fiber. How much better if the caramel is packed full of fiber and nutrients too! Try this naturally sweet and delicious date caramel, which packs well in lunch boxes and will be a hit with your little ones.
If your kids are craving a crunchy snack, try making a homemade trail mix. You can fill this with mixed nuts, seeds, cheerios, and popped popcorn. To give it a bit of sweetness, try throwing in a few chopped Medjool dates or Mini Medjools.
Store-bought granola bars can be filled with added sugar, preservatives, and fillers. Instead, make your own energy balls with Medjool dates, seeds, nut butter, dried fruit, and other mix-ins. It’s so easy to customize these to fit any dietary preference. Plus, they only take minutes to make. Store in your fridge or freezer so you always have them ready to go for the kids to snack on. Check out the DIY Medjool Date Energy Ball Builder below for a step-by-step on how to build your own energy balls right at home.
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Mackenzie Burgess, RDN and recipe developer at Cheerful Choices
Mackenzie focuses on customizable recipes with ingredients "of your choice." She's passionate about improving peoples’ kitchen confidence through easy meals, kitchen hacks, and her virtual Coaching + Cooking program.
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