Back-to-school season can be exciting for kids and parents alike, but the transition from afternoons in the pool to long study sessions can be difficult. It’s important to make sure your kids have access to healthy snacks that will fuel them throughout out school, sports, and homework.
It’s easy to give in to temptation and buy cheap, processed snacks like chips and pizza rolls, but these foods can cause a temporary sugar rush and subsequent crash. This ultimately is worse for your children as it can leave them feeling unfocused and tired.
Healthy snacks don’t have to be expensive or complicated! Here are a few healthy after-school snacks to help set your kids up for success.
Fruit Kabobs
In terms of simple but beautiful, it’s hard to beat a fruit kabob. Simply load a few skewers with your kids’ favorite colorful fruits, and done! Some easy and fun options are raspberries, clementine oranges, pineapple, kiwi, and grapes, or strawberries, blueberries, bananas, green grapes, or even melon.
Add some protein and healthy fats into the mix with a vanilla greek yogurt dip on the side. You can even add cupcake sprinkles for a fun extra flare for younger children!
Peanutbutter Honey Cheerio Bars
This treat is a bit higher in sugars and fats, but it makes a great after-sports snack or a simple dessert item. Plus, there are only four ingredients and you probably already have them in your kitchen!
Ingredients:
1 tbsp coconut oil
1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup natural peanut butter
3 cups Multigrain Cheerios (or any type of toasted oat cereal)
Instructions:
Line a square baking dish (either 8x8 or 9x9 will work) with wax paper and set aside.
In a large pot, melt the coconut oil over medium heat.
Add honey and peanut butter and stir until everything is hot and well combined.
Remove from heat and mix in Cheerios. Pour into your baking dish and press down firmly.
Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, then cut into squares. Store in an airtight container in the fridge.
Apple Pie Snack Cups
This simple snack tastes like deconstructed apple pie without the sugar or butter, and you can whip in up in just a few minutes!
Ingredients:
Graham crackers
Chopped apples
Cinnamon apple sauce
Whipped cream
Instructions:
Crush your graham crackers and fill the bottom of your snack cup to make the “pie” crust. Layer on the chopped apples, then pour cinnamon apple sauce on top. Finish it off with a squeeze of whipped cream.
And just like that, a fruit-filled, delicious, easy afternoon snack!
Peanutbutter Apple “Toasts”
The apple-peanut butter combo is a classic, and this variation adds even more bang for your buck. Simply slice your apple into discs, layer on the nut butter of your choice, and sprinkle granola, shredded coconut, hemp seeds…whatever you like on top! Adding a dash of cinnamon is never a bad idea, either ;)
What’s your favorite after-school snack?