Protein Snacks for Kids

Snacks are an integral part of your child's day. However, it is important to ensure that your child's snack is always healthy. Protein snacks are not just a healthy snack, they also provide your child with more energy over a longer period of time. There's no reason to rush out to your a local health-food store to purchase expensive protein snacks for your child. There are some ideal sources of protein right in your kitchen or local grocery store-- including eggs, cheese and peanut butter.

Eggs

• Eggs are an excellent source of protein. A 4-year old will receive almost one-third of the protein needed in a day from a single egg, according to Parents.com. There are many creative ways to use eggs as a snack into your child's diet. Parents.com suggests: " Keep a bunch of hard-boiled in the fridge (they last for seven days), or scramble an egg and roll it up in a flour tortilla." Keep your child's snacks fun while nutritious to ensure that she gets all of the nutrients she needs.

Cheese

• Cheese is also a superb source of protein,so it makes a perfect snack for you child. Parents.com suggests: make "satellite snacks," pretzel sticks stuck into cheese cubes; melt cheese on an English muffin; serve cheese slices with whole-wheat crackers; or cut a design, such as a face, into a slice of cheese. Try mixing up the types of cheese you serve your child. Have a cheese-from-around-the-world day and try cheese from different countries. Try to have fun and keep it nutritious.

Peanut Butter

• Peanut butter is a protein-packed snack that is also high in fiber. This versatile snack is a childhood favorite for many. Some peanut butter snack ideas include: peanut butter and jelly sandwiches; peanut butter on celery, crackers, bananas or apples; and peanut butter on whole-grain toast. If you are looking to mix up your child's peanut butter snack, Parents.com suggests: "For a change, try making silly PB&J sandwiches: Instead of bread, use toasted mini waffles or rice cakes."