With school back in session, there’s arguably no better time to add some concentration fuel to your kid’s diet. But getting kids to be proactive (let alone agreeable) about eating healthy foods like fruits and vegetables can feel like an uphill battle. 

Here’s the thing: you can energize your child with nutritious foods, all while getting them excited about what they eat, just by adding some creativity into the mix.

If you’re looking for healthy, delicious snack ideas to incorporate into your child’s daily routine this fall, whether it’s for their lunchbox or for eating around the home, consider looking to the season for inspiration. 

As an added bonus, you can create festive memories with your family by making the most out of autumn when you try these three healthy fall snacks.

3 Recipes for Healthy Fall Snacks

The following snack ideas use allergy-friendly ingredients or offer substitutes where applicable. Feel free to adapt these recipes to suit your child’s taste preferences.

Apple Slices with Cinnamon Yogurt Dip

Ever wanted to combine the sweet, crispy goodness of apples with a creamy, cinnamon-flavored dip? This cinnamon yogurt dip paired with apple slices is perfect for satisfying your child’s sweet tooth while providing healthy fats and protein.

Ingredients:

• 2 crisp apples (Honeycrisp’s work well)
• 1 cup of plain Greek yogurt or dairy-free almond milk yogurt
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon of honey (optional)
• 1 teaspoon of almond butter or peanut butter (optional)

Instructions:

1. Slice the apples into thin wedges.
2. In a bowl, mix the yogurt, vanilla extract, and cinnamon (or nutmeg).
3. Add honey and almond/peanut butter if you like.
4. Serve the apple slices with the yogurt dip for a delightful crunch!

Credit: Cupcakes And Cutlery

Pumpkin Spice Energy Bites

Pumpkins are for more than fall decor—they’re also tasty, and they’re very good for your health. These bite-sized pumpkin spice energy balls are easy to make, and they are packed with fiber and healthy fats, making them a great source of energy for both you and your child.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup gluten-free rolled oats
• 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (canned pumpkin, not pumpkin pie mix)
• 1/4 cup creamy almond butter or creamy peanut butter
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin spice blend
• 1/4 cup chocolate chips or vegan chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, pumpkin puree, almond/peanut butter, honey, and pumpkin spice.
2. Fold in mini chocolate chips.
3. Roll the mixture into bite-sized balls and refrigerate for 20-30 minutes.

Credit: All The Healthy Things

Veggie Jack-o’-Lanterns with Hummus

This snack is best when shared.

Veggie jack-o’-lanterns aren’t just cute—they’re a fun way to motivate your child to eat their veggies this fall season. The fresh array of vegetables provides a canvas for their creativity, where they can experiment with shapes, colors, and designs. There’s no limit to your child’s pumpkin, so encourage them to unleash their imagination with their custom snack creations!

Ingredients:

• Baby carrots
• Cucumber slices
• Celery stick
• Gluten-free hummus

Instructions:

1. Arrange the orange baby carrots in the shape of the pumpkin’s skin over a tray. 
2. Use hummus to create the eyes, along with cucumber slices to create the nose and mouth of the carrot “pumpkin.”
3. Place a celery stick or cucumber slices at the top as the pumpkin’s stem.

Credit: Keeping The Peas

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