Fast and Healthy After School Snacks

By Kelly Turner on August 13th, 2009

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Kids are usually starving after school, and dinner is a long ways off.  What’s a parent to do?  Give your kids a snack that is delicious, healthy, and will hold them over until dinner, without spoiling their appetite. 

Here’s the trick: a little bit of protein, a little bit of complex carbohydrates and a littler bit of fat. 

The protein will help keep your child’s muscles strong, the healthy (ie. unprocessed) carbohydrates will provide lots of vitamins and minerals, plus sustained energy and the little bit of fat will keep them satisfied till din-din.

Here are some yummy ideas that fit the bill:

Apple with sliced cheese

Apple with peanut butter

Yogurt with nuts

Peanut butter and jelly “sandwiches” using whole wheat crackers

Sliced veggies with low-fat dressing

Home made Trail Mix with whole grain cereal, nuts, raisins and/or chocolate chips

Whole wheat toast with peanut butter and banana

Yogurt with mixed berries

Fruit smoothie made with low fat milk, strawberries, bananas and ice

Small bowl of whole wheat cereal with low fat milk

Whole grain tortilla chips with low fat re fried beans and salsa

Frozen grapes with yogurt dip

Sliced banana with peanut butter

Popcorn drizzled with light/sugar free  syrup

Yogurt mixed with pumpkin puree

Pudding sprinkled with graham crackers

Quesadilla made with whole wheat tortilla, cheese and veggies

Mini pizza made with half a whole wheat English muffin with tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese, toasted until melty

Yogurt with granola

Toasted whole wheat English muffin with cottage cheese and sliced tomato

Sliced pepper strips with cottage cheese

Jell-o with fruit and Cool Whip

Whole grain crackers with string cheese

Sliced veggies with hummus

Whole grain tortilla chips with home-made guacamole

Applesauce sprinkled with graham crackers

Rolled up deli meat and cheese, dipped in mustard