After school snacks

My daughter gets home from school and immediately heads to the kitchen looking for a snack.  With dinner right around the corner, I want to give her something that won’t spoil her appetite for a healthy meal.  She is a pretty picky eater but these snack options get her seal of approval! 

Cheese!  Our current favorite is a cheese wedge with pretzels or wheat thins.  Cheese sticks are also a quick and easy option.  

Fruits & veggies…Keep it washed and easily accessible so your kids will be more likely to grab it.  My daughter loves snacking on baby carrots, grapes, bananas and apple slices.  You could even have some fruit kabobs ready and waiting in the fridge!  Or what about frozen bananas rolled in yogurt or chocolate?!  

Muffins…My daughter loves helping me bake.  One of her favorite things to make and snack on are pumpkin muffins.  Just use the cake mix of your choice and a can of pumpkin…so simple!  Her favorites are spice cake and chocolate.   These freeze well also, so make a big batch and get out a few at a time for snacking. 

Nutella…This is great by the spoonful or with fruit.  But we like to make cookie sandwiches.  Using either graham crackers or Nilla wafers, spread on some Nutella add a slice of banana and enjoy! 

Yogurt…We usually have Yogurt tubes on hand most often.  If your kids need a bit of crunch with their yogurt try topping it with a bit of granola.

Popcorn…Either plain or with add-ins!  It is fun to mix it up by creating your own snack mix.  Start with a base of your favorite popcorn, then add pretzels, cheez it’s, goldfish, m&m’s, chocolate chips, raisins or other dried fruit, or fruit snacks/bites.  Have your kids help make this, then put it in individual baggies or containers for a grab and go snack!  

I’ve found that to be the key with after school snacks.  Create portions that your kids can easily grab and enjoy!  This way you have control over the size of their snacks.  Also, make sure your child is involved in the snack planning.  Sit them down and make a shopping list for things to buy or make.  This will ensure you have snacks they will love ready when they come running!  

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