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Snacks to Keep Your Kids Active and Energized

Whether your kids are on the playground, at school, or engaging in after-school activities, feeling hungry can make it hard for them to be their best. Healthy snacks, however, can keep them fueled and focused.

Having nutritious snacks on hand is a smart way to go, but it’s challenging to find a snack that tastes great and can be easily tucked away in a sports bag.

“A healthy snack like almonds can give you the satisfying crunch and punch you need to lead an active life,” says Robert Yang, R.D. and founder of The Performance Lab. “They’re portable and packed with nutrients.”

A handful of almonds can be an active person’s best friend:

They’re not only cholesterol-free, but also contain protein, fiber, and unsaturated fats.

A single serving – about 23 – makes a great snack, providing 13 grams of unsaturated fat, only 1 gram of saturated fat, 6 grams of protein and 31/2 grams of fiber.

Almonds are rich in vitamin E, an excellent source of magnesium and manganese, and a good source of fiber, copper, phosphorous and riboflavin.

When compared ounce for ounce to other tree nuts, almonds are the highest in protein, fiber, calcium, vitamin E, riboflavin, and niacin.

Almond Crunch Granola

This granola is packed with good ingredients, as well as vitamin E. It’s also low in sodium. Eat a handful or sprinkle it on berries or yogurt.

 

Servings: 12

Ingredients

  • 1 cup slivered almonds, toasted*
  • 2 1/2 cups rolled oats (either old-fashioned or quick-cooking)
  • 1 cup flaked coconut
  • 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup almond or vegetable oil

Preparation

  1. Preheat oven to 350° F.
  2. Combine toasted almonds with oats, coconut, and cinnamon.
  3. Whisk honey with oil and drizzle over almond-oat mixture, tossing to mix well.
  4. Bake 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Remove from oven, loosen with spatula, and cool.

*To toast almonds: Spread almonds in a single layer in shallow pan. Place in cold oven, toast at 350 ° F, 9-11 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly toasted. Cool on counter.