About an hour ago I was making lunches for my family. My husband makes his own lunch but I usually end up putting actual FOOD in his lunch box. If I leave it to him to make his lunch he’ll have a lunch box full of left over birthday cake, popcorn and a sandwich. I usually toss in some fruit and veggies.
I find it frustrating at times to make lunches for my kids. I don’t want to keep serving them the same things over and over again. I like to mix things up a bit so that they get excited to see what is in their lunch boxes rather then dread it.
Thankfully my kids know that they need to eat their sandwich first and foremost. Next they need to eat something else that is healthy for them (fruits and or veggies). Snack foods should be eaten last. And as you know, its usually the snack foods that the kids want the most.
I tend to stick with healthy snacks low in fat and calories like popcorn, mini rice cakes, 2-4 cookies (depending on the size), or pretzels. Even when it comes to snacks I like to offer them different things as often as I can. Being overly picky about what I serve my kids something has to be a “healthier option” compared to other alternatives. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t let the kids ONLY eat healthy foods. They are allowed to have candy, cakes, cookies and ice cream, just within reason.
In the past I have put some granola in small containers for the kids to snack on. One of their favorites (and mine too!) is the Organic Pumpkin Flax Granola from Nature’s Path. Its high in fiber and contains whole grains and tastes great. Its not often that you come across pumpkin flavored products.
Nature’s Path also makes granola bars. Granola bars are another snack option that I like to serve to my children. I love that they contain whole grains and fiber which many children are lacking in their diets.
I like the variety of flavors that Nature’s Path offers for their granola bars. The Lotta’ Apricotta Granola Barsare unique because its not often you find apricot granola bars. The apricots give the bar its fruity sweetness and the pieces of almonds add a bit of crunch. Mmm…yummy!
Another “must try” flavor is the MMMaple Pecan Granola Bars. If you love the taste of maple then you must try the MMMaple Pecan bars. These bars also contain flax and whole grains and is an excellent source of Omega-3′s which are vital for brain and heart health, among other things.
A perfect flavor for this time of year is the Nature’s Path Pumpkin-N-Spice Granola Bars. I ♥ these bars! These are so good. The perfect treat for a cool, crisp Autumn day! These bars also contain raisins for added sweetness.
All of the Nature’s Path granola bars are chewy. Some can be a bit sticky too so its best to keep them in their packaging so you have something to hold on to.
The bars all seem to have around 2 grams of fiber and 2 grams of protein. The calories and fat grams range. Compared to a bag of potato chips or a chocolate bar its clear that granola bars are a much better option. Plus granola bars don’t have to be kept cool and they don’t get all smashed up inside a lunch box. They are also a great “on-to-go” treat you can grab when you are rushing out the door.
If you find that you are looking for something to nosh on at work you should keep a box of granola bars in your desk drawers. You’ll be able to satisfy your need for something sweet to eat and your body will get some extra protein and fiber too.
Nature’s Path granola bars get two thumbs up from this family.
To learn more about Nature’s Path granola bars and other organic foods that they offer (hot/cold cereals, toaster pastries, cookies…) please visit www.NaturesPath.com.
Kimberly
*I received a few free product samples in order to do this review. The Pumpkin Flax Granola I purchased on my own. There was no compensation. The opinions expressed are my own.
