Best Snacks for After School Health
Kids often (if not always) come home from school ravenous. Even though you packed them a filling lunch, growing and active kids need plenty of nourishment. That’s where the after school snack comes in. Most kids would love to grab a handful of potato chips or a few chocolate chip cookies with milk and run off to play, but those treats, while tasty, don’t offer much value health-wise.
Give your kids the option for something just as yummy, but so much better for them. Once they try these snacks, their longing for junk food will become a thing of the past. Here are some ideas for after school snacks that will keep the kids’ bellies satisfied ‘till dinnertime.
Sliced Apples and Peanut Butter
The crisp juiciness of an apple paired with peanut or another nut butter makes for a winning combination. The kids can spread the peanut butter on the apple slices and even create tiny “sandwiches.” Try celery stalks filled with nut butter too. The different textures delight the mouth and fill up a hungry child!
Fruit Kebabs
Take a skewer and layer all kinds of fruit such as chunks of melon, strawberries, sliced banana, mango, or whatever’s in season. Alternate the fruit for a colorful presentation and serve with a healthy dip like yogurt or a drizzle of honey. Make them for the kids or put out bowls of fruit and let the kids create their own kebabs. See who comes up with the prettiest layout!
Pita with Hummus
For something on the savory side, cut up a white or whole wheat pita and serve with a scoop of hummus for dipping or spreading. Slice up some carrots and celery to serve on the side for some added crunch. If the kids love it, this snack makes for a great light lunch as well.
Cheese and Crackers
Rather than cheese-flavored chips or high-fat and salt corn snacks, provide the kids with something that’s much better for them, yet still delivers a similar flavor. Serve cubes of cheddar, mozzarella, Swiss, or another favorite cheese with some whole wheat crackers or whole grain pretzels. A little goes a long way, so just a few pieces is all you need. Add a handful of grapes on the side for a more balanced snack.
Cup of Soup
When the weather starts to cool down, a warm cup of soup after school is the perfect treat. Go for tomato or chicken noodle (2 kid-friendly favorites) and serve with some crackers or croutons. The kids will be ready to head outdoors to play in the leaves or snow once they’ve warmed up thanks to some delicious soup.
What do you give your kids for healthy snack options after school? Will you try any of these ideas? For more info like this, please visit All My Children blogs.
By: Melissa A. Kay
