I know having Arthritis myself I like good snacks and sometimes if we don’t make them ourselves, we don’t really know what we’re getting as far as ingredients and we really have to be careful because some things can trigger a flare.
These are great snacks for anyone, but our kids junior high in high school that are really busy and need Energy. These are really good healthy go to’s
High school can be demanding, especially for students balancing academics, extracurricular activities, and juvenile arthritis. It’s crucial to support their energy levels and overall well-being with nutritious snacks that keep them going throughout the day. Here some delicious and energizing snack ideas perfect for high schoolers with juvenile arthritis:
- Greek Yogurt Parfait: Layer good Greek yogurt with granola and fresh fruits like berries or bananas for a protein-packed snack that provides a good mix of nutrients to sustain energy levels.
- Homemade Trail Mix: Create a custom trail mix blend with nuts, seeds, dried fruits, and dark chocolate chips. This snack is rich in healthy fats, protein, and antioxidants, ideal for boosting energy and supporting joint health.
- Apple Slices with Nut Butter: Pair apple slices with almond or peanut butter for a satisfying snack that offers a balance of carbohydrates, healthy fats, and protein, perfect for sustained energy release.
- Vegetable Sticks with Hummus: Serve up crunchy vegetable sticks like carrots, celery, and bell peppers with hummus for a nutrient-dense snack that provides vitamins, minerals, and fiber to keep your Jr high or high schooler feeling full and energized.
- Oatmeal Energy Bites: Whip up a batch of oatmeal energy bites using oats, nut butter, honey, and add-ins like chia seeds or dried fruits. These no-bake snacks are easy to make ahead and offer a quick boost of energy when needed.
- Whole Grain Crackers with Cheese: Opt for whole grain crackers paired with sliced cheese for a balanced snack that combines complex carbs and protein, promoting sustained energy levels and supporting overall health.
- Smoothie Packs: Prepare smoothie packs with frozen fruits, leafy greens, and protein powder for a convenient grab-and-go option that’s packed with essential nutrients and antioxidants to fuel busy days at school.
By incorporating these healthy snack options into your Jr high and high schooler’s routine, you can help them maintain optimal energy levels, support their nutritional needs, and promote overall well-being while managing juvenile arthritis. Encourage them to stay hydrated and listen to their bodies to ensure they have the energy to thrive both academically and personally.
Here are couple recipes I would like to share feel free to adjust them anyway, you like to your taste
Trail mix needs a few things it needs, nuts, seeds, dried fruits, and fun stuff 
Healthy trail mix
• 1 1/2 cups raw nuts i.e. almonds, pecans, cashews, peanuts etc..
• 1 cup raw seeds i.e. sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds etc…
• 1 cup unsweetened, unsulphured dried fruit
• Fun stuff (amounts vary) i.e. 1/2 cup chopped dark chocolate, 1 cup popped popcorn, 1 cup pretzels , Banana chips etc..
• Spices e.g. 1/4 tsp sea salt, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, pinch of nutmeg (optional)
My favorite Trail Mix Recipe:
• 3/4 cups raw pecans (I toast mine in the oven for 10 mins at 350 degrees F)
• 3/4 cup Rock cashews toast mine in the oven for 10 mins at 350 degrees F)
• 1/2 cup Raw sunflower seeds ,
1/2 a cup of raw pumpkin seeds, optional
1/2 cup dried banana chips,
1/2 a cup of unsweetened unsulfured cherries
1/2 a cup of unsweetened unsulfured raisins, pineapples, mangos or your favorite dried fruits.
1/4 to 1/2 cup cup of chopped 85% dark chocolate or chips
(I don’t always add the dark chocolate if I’m going for like a walk or a hike or if I’m gonna be words warm because it will melt quick but if it’s in a lunchbox you’re good )
• 1/4 tsp sea salt
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• pinch of nutmeg optional.
1. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and mix well.
2. Store in airtight mason jar.
3. Will keep for up to 3 weeks
Optional: If you really need the extra sweetness, you can coat the mix with 2 tbsp maple syrup, spread it out on a baking sheet and allow it to dry before bagging.
When some fruit are dried, sulfur dioxide is added to help prevent discoloration. The chemical has been known to cause severe reactions in people sensitive to it, especially asthmatics. Sulfur dioxide also destroys some of the B vitamin thiamin.
Energy balls
Ingredients
- 1 cup quick-cooking oats (or old-fashioned oats, pulsed briefly in a food processor or blender to break them up)
- ½ cup finely chopped pecans
- ½ cup finely chopped walnuts or almonds
- 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed or wheat germ (okay to substitute more oats or nuts)
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ⅔ cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup finely chopped pitted dried dates, from 6 to 8 large dates
- ¼ cup honey (never give small children honey )
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup water
- ¾ cup unsweetened finely shredded coconut, for rolling
Instructions
- Place the oats and nuts in a medium skillet over medium heat. Cook, stirring frequently, until the oats turn slightly golden and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a medium mixing bowl and stir in the flaxseed, cinnamon, and salt.
- Place the pan back on the stove over low heat. Add the peanut butter, dates, honey, vanilla, and water. Stir until evenly combined (you’re not “cooking” the mixture; warming it just makes it easier to combine). Using a rubber spatula, scrape the mixture into the bowl with the oats/nuts. Stir until evenly combined. Refrigerate the mixture for 5 to 10 minutes, or until cool enough to handle.
- Place the coconut in a shallow bowl. Roll the oat mixture into tablespoon-size balls, then roll in the coconut to coat. Place the balls in the refrigerator, uncovered, to set until cold, a few hours (or about 45 minutes in the freezer). The bites will keep in a covered container for up to a week in the refrigerator.
- Freezer-Friendly Instructions: The energy bites can be frozen for up to 3 months. Let them cool completely and store in an airtight container separating layers with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Before serving, remove them from the container and let them come to room temperature.
Disclaimer: This blog post is created by debbie andio for informational purposes only. The content shared includes ideas and recipes aimed at providing inspiration and support, but it is not intended to serve as medical or nutritional advice. It is always recommended to consult with your own primary care doctor before trying new foods or making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.
I also prefer to store things like this in glass jars versus plastic or Ziploc bags. In fact, I’m really trying to get away from storing some things in plastic. Even if they’re BPA free I think a lot of things take on flavors and smells when it’s in plastic and you don’t get that with glass. If you liked any of these recipes or tried them feel free to comment below and if you like everything please like, and share.
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