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Eat Well: After School Snack Ideas

By Jenny Steadman September 13, 2013
After school is an awkward time for a snack. The kids come home hungry but it is getting closer to dinner time by the minute. You want to give them something nutritious and filling... but not too filling! Here are some easy and fun ideas for after school snacks. Many of them work great for snacks on the run if going to/from after school activities. 

Peanut Butter and Jelly Snack Muffins - We made these just this week. I plan on freezing them for easy lunches and snacks. You can easily substitute sunflower butter for nut allergies.

Apple and nut butter sandwiches - Cut an apple to make slice, then cut a circle in the middle to get rid of any seeds/core. Use two slices like bread and put a nutter butter of choice in the middle. You can also add raisins, granola, banana and/or chocolate chips for variety.

Hard boiled egg with a side of fruit 

Granola with a cup of milk

Vegetables (carrots, celery, cucumbers, bell peppers) with hummus

Yogurt with fruit
- My young ones like to dip slices of apples and peaches in plain yogurt. Easy and fun!

Whole Wheat crackers with Tuna

Smoothies 
- All you need is a liquid base (I use water, milk, yogurt or almond milk), a banana and fruit of your choice! I like to keep frozen berries on hand for easy access. If you use fresh fruit, then add ice to the blender to make the smoothie thicker. 

Homemade trail mix - Mix together just about anything and vary it each time! Popular items in our house: pretzels, mini crackers, a variety of nuts and seeds, yogurt covered raisins and other dried fruits like cranberries and goji berries. The possibilities are endless. Have fun with it and let the kids assemble their own!

Frozen yogurt tubes - These might as well be ice cream to my kids. They love any frozen treat!

Cheese and whole wheat crackers

Popcorn - Save money and be healthier by popping your own popcorn in the microwave! 

These are just a few ideas to help get you started. What are your favorite snack ideas?