Quick and Healthy Bedtime Snacks

Am I the only one that kids ask for a snack before going to bed? It's not uncommon, especially for children who are active, be hungry by bedtime. A little food could be thing holding them for the whole night, especially during growth spurts. When the weather is warm and the sun stays later, I know my kids want to spend every waking second outside playing. I'm glad they use their energy because it makes me wish that they would go right to sleep. Often when they come, they will ask for a snack before bed. Here are some guidelines for snacks before bed:

1. Just give them snacks when they are hungry and do not get out of the habit. One of my children will be picking out food at dinner, and then complained that she was so hungry (for biscuits, only) when she got into bed. Another child I would eat anything he offers whether he's hungry or not.

2. Plan a snack slept 45 minutes - 1 hour before sleep. This way you will make sure food has time to finish, and there is enough time to brush their teeth!

3. Keep a small snack. This is not another diet. This is a snack to tide them over and help them sleep. A good rule is to make the snack no larger than your child's fist.

4. The beds were good snack should have carbohydrates and protein. Carbohydrates will help increase the production of serotonin, and protein will help keep them full.

Top 10 Quick and Healthy Bedtime Snacks:

- 4 Whole Grain Crackers and 4 Small Slices of Cheese: Sometimes we make this snack extra-fancy by adding green apple slices on top of each cracker. Yum!

- Cottage cheese and fruit: Fresh fruit is always better, but my kids will always go for the sweet and savory snack is packed with protein.

- Peanut Butter and Fruit Sandwich: You will be surprised how delicious peanut butter and banana or apple or strawberry sandwich truth. Depending on the size of your child, it may be appropriate to make a 1/2 sandwich.

- Oatmeal with Nuts and dried fruit: This snack is a source of fiber, which will help your child to feel satisfied longer. Good portion size will be 1/4 cup rolled oats, 1/2 cup water, 1 tablespoon each of nuts and dried fruit. Bring to the boil in a small saucepan and stir until thickened.

- Apple or banana slices dipped in Peanut Butter: Apple seems to bring out the sweet nuttiness of peanut butter. No additional sugar is required!

- Boiled eggs, cheese and 1/2 Quarter Slice of Toast: This is a favorite in our house. We continue boiled eggs in the fridge quite regularly. When we needed a snack to sleep, we crush or slice the boiled eggs, layer it into bread, and top with sharp cheddar.

- Cucumber Rounds with Greek Yogurt and rice crackers: Need extra flavor? Try adding a little salt and pepper.

- Yogurt Cheese Spread on English Muffin: Yogurt cheese is only yogurt that has strained water from it so that is has a consistency like cream cheese. Very tasty and easy to make. Try it!

- Homemade Granola Bar: When you make them yourself you can cut them to size snacks that are perfect for your kids. This is a good (and child-approved) balance of protein and carbohydrates.

- 1/2 cup Whole Grain Cereal and Milk 1/2 Cup: If your kids are like mine, they will eat cereal every for every meal, if they could. Just buy grain cereal and then you can feel good about the choice of this snack sleep.

With a busy schedule so many families', sometimes a light snack before bed can be just the ticket for a restful sleep for your children. It's healthy and quick option sure to please even picky eaters and will empower you in your goal to provide healthy meals for your family.