Healthy After School Snacks
If you have kids, you know they’re undoubtedly starving after a long day at school. Instead of reaching for a bunch of cookies or a bag of potato chips, feed your kids right with healthy after school snacks they are sure to love!
Fruit and Dip
Both delicious and healthy, fruit is a great after school snack. Even picky eaters can’t resist some type of fruit! For a fun and creative way to enjoy the fruit, make a simple dip with about two cups yogurt (I prefer vanilla), 1/4 cup of orange juice, and a dash of honey and cinnamon.
This yummy dip is the perfect accompaniment to a variety of fresh fruit. Cut cantaloupe, kiwi, bananas, peaches, nectarines, pineapple, or whatever you have on hand into bite sized pieces. Use toothpicks to dip the fruit and enjoy. Your kids will love this!
Carrot Sticks and Hummus
While your kids may be used to ranch dressing as a veggie dip, why not introduce them to hummus? Both healthy and delicious, hummus is a great way to add flavor to carrot sticks without a lot of fat or calories. There are a wide variety of flavors available at your local grocery store, or you can make your own using a recipe you find online and a food processor. Yum!
Trail Mix
Rather than buying store-bought mix, why not make your own trail mix for kids to munch on after school? Combine Chex mix, nuts, crackers, dried fruit, or anything else you have on hand for a yummy snack combination that will help keep your kids full until dinner without ruining their appetite.
Frozen Grapes and String Cheese
String cheese is a great source of calcium, and let’s face it — what child doesn’t love string cheese? Frozen grapes are also delicious and are a unique taste experience. Place them in a freezer bag prior to your child coming home so the grapes have time to get nice and frozen. When you bite into a frozen grape, it’s almost like “eating” a slushie! This is a great after school snack that won’t ruin mealtime.
Ants on a Log
Remember ants on a log from your childhood? Simply spread peanut butter on a piece of celery and sprinkle about 5 raisins across the “log” to assemble this quick, easy, and healthy after school snack. Even picky eaters can’t help but be amused by this nostalgic treat!
Deli Meat and Cheese
For a quick and delicious after school snack, roll a slice of cheese into a piece of deli meat for a yummy treat. For convenience, buy deli meats pre-sliced so your kids can just grab and go. Experiment with different sliced meats and cheeses to expose your kids to a variety of different tastes and textures.
These quick, filling, and healthy after school snack choices are definitely treats your kids will actually eat. What’s more, they are all fairly budget-conscious and can easily be made or assembled ahead for even more convenience.
What after school snacks do you like to serve your children?
