Your kids hit the front door after school and what is the first thing out of their mouths? “I’m starving!” And it’s said with enough enthusiasm that you would think they hadn’t eaten all day. They want food and they want it fast. As tempting as it might be to shove a cookie in their direction, it’s much better if we plan on having some healthier afternoon snacks ready for our little students. Even our older students will benefit from healthier snacks. I have kids that range from elementary to college age at home and what’s good for one is good for the other.
Since kids come home so hungry, this is a good time to get them to eat healthier snacks. They are more willing to eat it. Need some ideas for healthy snacks that won’t ruin their dinner? Here are some great ideas.
- Air popped popcorn (no butter and low salt) is a great snack. You can add a little spice to it by sprinkling a little cayenne or cinnamon on it.
- Greek yogurt with cheese slices or fruit
- Apple slices with cheese slices
- Unsweetened applesauce
- Cottage cheese with fruit
- Frozen bananas with peanut butter
- Green yogurt mixed with peanut butter. Use apple slices for dipping. (This is a favorite of mine)
- Hard boiled eggs
The list is really endless. Just get creative but keep it easy and simple. Much of this can be prepared ahead of time so snacks are ready when your kids are. Keeping ourselves and our families healthy is a wonderful gift we give ourselves and them.
What kind of healthy snacks do you and your kids like? We’d love you to share your ideas with us.
