A+ Back-to-School Snacks that Make the Healthy Choice the Easy Choice

By Jolia Sidona Allen

Building healthy routines in childhood can help influence lifelong well-being. Plus, growing minds and growing bodies need the right fuel (whole grains, fruits, veggies, beans), not ultra-processed, pre-packaged snacks loaded with added sugar, salt, and preservatives. That said, back-to-school time can be a super busy time for all, balancing start-of-school kick-off events, homework, athletic practices, music lessons, and family time. That’s why we created this roster of nine recipes from the Blue Zones Meal Planner that check off all the boxes: easy and fast to prepare, delicious, nutrient-dense, and kid-pleasing. Plus, these picks get “extra credit” for their fun factor—from Rainbow Popcorn (dusted with blended, freeze-dried fruits and veggies) to Watermelon “Pizza” oozing with cashew-yogurt “cheese”, PB&J Snack bars, Crispy Tofu Nugguts, and more.