Satisfying 150-calorie snacks for kids

Published 12:01 am Monday, June 20, 2011

Kids always want snacks but they don’t have to be bad ones.

Snacks are an important part of a well-balanced diet and should contain healthy nutrients like calcium, protein, whole grains, vitamins or minerals.

Skip those expensive, nutrient-light snack packs and try these filling 150-calorie snacks instead.

Edamame

Craving something salty? Try ¾ cup of steamed edamame (baby soybeans). Purchase the unsalted version and add a sprinkle of kosher salt.

Calories: 150.

Apple and peanut butter

Slice a medium apple and dip in 2 teaspoons natural peanut butter.

Calories: 160.

Snack bar

Healthy snack bars range from about 90 to 230 calories. If you’re watching your weight, choose a bar with fewer calories. If you’re still hungry, pair it with a piece of fresh fruit.

Calories: 90 to 230.

Chocolate milk

Skip the premixed kind packed with sugar and make your own with 1 cup of nonfat (skim) milk and 1 tablespoon of chocolate syrup.

Calories: 140.

Toby Amidor, foodnetwork.com