After School Snack

Summer is coming to an end and school, if it hasn't already started, is right around the corner. And going back to school brings the ever famous after school snack. It's a time to relax, a time to talk with your kids and fill their growling tummies! But more than that, it can be an opportunity to help your kids eat the stuff that is good for them too! Here are some snack ideas that your kids are sure to love, and you might even find yourself sitting down and snacking with them too.
Pizza bagels: Coat a mini bagel with tomato sauce, shredded low-fat mozzarella cheese and a sprinkling of garlic powder and oregano
Green Drink: In a blender, mix together 3 handfuls of frozen spinach, a handful of your favorite berry, a sliced banana and low-fat milk. (The more milk you add, the thinner it will be)You'll get some veggies AND it tastes delicious!
Yogurt Parfait: In a small glass, layer plain yogurt, some berries and a little granola. Go easy on the granola, because it is calorie dense. This is a great snack because it is packed full of good protein and carbs from the berries.
Mini Cracker Snackers: Use your favorite whole grain cracker and top it with a small slice of cheese and turkey! They are fun to eat and so tastey
Chips & Salsa: Whole grain chips and a fresh salsa! Always a great idea. Or you can even make your own fresh salsa, that way you control how hot it is and which veggies are in it
Fruit & Peanut Butter: With either a sliced banana or apple, have a little peanut butter to dip them in. Try to eat the natural peanut butter, or you can even try almond butter, which is a great substitute for peanut butter.
Trail Mix: Mix together your favorite nut (or more than one), some dried berries, crunched up pretzels and some toasted granola. Delicious!
Ants on a Log: Cut up slices of celery, fill them with peanut butter and top with some raisins (the ants). Fun and yummy!

These are just some ideas. Try to think of some of your own, and just incorporate a fruit or veggie and some good protein to keep them full. Kids like to use their hands and eat mini things, so think about that when coming up with some ideas. Happy snacking!