Making Meals Special

The car is packed, the music is picked out, and you are almost ready to go on your next road trip. But what's a road trip without snacks? These healthier alternatives to store-bought snacks are easy to make and kid-friendly. Next time you are taking a trip, try giving some of these recipes a try. 

Yogurt-Dipped Fruit

To satisfy your sweet tooth on your next road trip, try a healthier alternative to baked goods with semisweet chocolate or yogurt covered fruit. This is an easy recipe that can be prepared days beforehand and stored in the freezer until ready to eat. Bananas, blueberries, strawberries, and cranberries are delicious when paired with plain or flavored yogurt. To make more appealing to children, try using food coloring to color the yogurt or cover with sprinkles to help your kids get their daily dose of fruit. 

Nutty Clusters

Go nuts for this alternative to boring trail mix by rolling nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and whatever else you like into little spheres. Try using honey or agave as a glue, instead of chocolate or corn syrup. The great thing about this recipe is you can customize it with all of your favorite healthy snacks! Try adding popcorn, granola, or pretzels to add more texture and flavor to these yummy clusters. The fun thing about these snacks are the fun shapes and sizes you can make them, which kids will be sure to love. 

Homemade Jerky

Instead of buying sodium-packed, convenience store beef jerky, try making your own dehydrated snack at home! The only ingredients are ground meat, such as lean turkey for a healthier alternative, and seasonings to taste. Garlic powder, onion powder, cooking jus, or even a hint of cayenne pepper can add some zing to your homemade au jus jerky. You can buy a dehydrator specifically for this recipe, or just let the oven take out the moisture, and after several hours, you will have your own healthier alternative to store-bought beef jerky. Children are sure to love this flavorful protein-packed snack. 

Veggie Chips

Stay away from store-bought potato chips and instead try making your own in the oven! Take some of your favorite vegetables, such as carrots, potatoes, and zucchini and drizzle with a little bit of olive oil before placing them in the oven to crisp up. Your kids won't even realize they're eating vegetables when they try these crunchy treats! To spice up your recipe even more, try adding garlic salt, lemon zest, or red pepper flakes to these chips, and you'll never go back to eating store-bought chips again. 

Getting the recommended servings of protein, fruit, and vegetables can be tricky when feeding your children, but trying some of these recipes might help when planning your next vacation.