When the kids come home from school, they’re usually hungry, but it’s too early for dinner. So what do you give them to help tide them over? It is very tempting and easy to allow them to reach for junk food: chips, candy, cookies, sodas, etc. However, with a little prep work, you may find that there are healthy after school snacks that they’ll actually eat–and enjoy!
Here are a few ideas for you to try over the next few weeks:
Fresh Fruit
Many kids love fruit, even if they don’t know it yet! Some parents will allow their children to have a smaller junk food snack first if their children will first eat fruit–and often children won’t even want the junk after the fruit.
Fruit Pizza on Crackers
Fruit pizza is usually served on a cookie, but this fun twist is a healthier because it has far less sugar and butter. Get your kids into “decorating” their own pizza bites and you’ll find that they really enjoy their snacks!
DIY Snacks
Children love to put things together. Put out a plate of crackers, veggies, cheese, and lunch meat. Allow them to make their own mini “sandwiches” and watch them enjoy!
Homemade Baked Chips
There are many ways to do this, but a fun family project on the weekend could be making baked chips. You can use sweet potatoes, kale, or even carrots, like in this recipe. Bag them up and serve them throughout the week.
Healthy Trail Mix
Have your kids make their own trail mix and include healthier ingredients like pretzels, raisins or chopped dried apricots, mixed nuts, and more for a fun twist on a classic that is usually very high in unhealthy fats and sugar.
Parfait Cups
In a clear cup or glass, layer yogurt, whole grain cereals, bits of fruit, and whatever else you’d like to add. The beautiful look will make this option very appealing to children! Even better: let them build them themselves.
