Back by popular demand! School has started in the South and it's that time of year when kids are going back to school this week, and whether your kids are tots, tweens, teens or any age in between, they all share the same sentiment when they get home from school and that is, they're hungry and head directly to the fridge or pantry looking to grab anything to eat.
It's difficult to keep them away from junk food, we know... but if you can make some time either early in the morning or the night before (while you prepare their lunches), the benefits are wonderful, especially knowing they're eating a healthy snack rather than sugar filled-processed foods.
These are simple ideas and super easy to pull off. So for the moms and dads who wants to give their kids something that not only tastes good, but is good! Here are 10 helpful ideas for healthy and appealing after-school snacks you can easily prepare the night before.
1. Fresh Fruit with Mixed Berries and Greek Yogurt Dip ...
Sweet and savory fruit with yogurt is delicious anytime! Use about 1/2 cup of vanilla Greek yogurt, stir in 1 to 2 tablespoons of strawberry preserves, then transfer to a small cup. Place bite-size pieces of fresh fruit into a serving platter, add some fresh berries in there too, and wrap with clear wrap. Chill before serving.
If they get home before you do, leave a little sweet note on top! Don't forget to add some toothpicks or small forks for dipping.
2. Fresh Vegetable Sticks with a Sour Cream or Hummus Dip ...
You can easily find fresh vegetables already pre-cut into sticks at your local supermarket, or you can cut them yourself. This platter contains 3 carrots, 3 celery stalks, 1 red, 1 yellow and 1 orange bell pepper. Cut into 1/4 to 1/2-inch sticks.
Make a sour cream dip using about a 1/2 cup of sour cream mixed with a few dried herbs. My teens LOVE this fresh veggies platter with either a hummus dip or a sour cream dip. Yours will too!
3. Liz's Pita Pizza's !
Pita Pizza is a quick and easy snack for kids to customized to their liking!
Make them ahead and freeze some. Kids can pop them into the microwave or toaster oven.
Recipe for Liz's Pita Pizza, click: The Pita Pizza Recipe.
4. Mini Peanut Butter and Nutella Sandwiches ...
Little finger sandwiches are everyone's favorite! Especially ones filled with creamy peanut butter and nutella spread. Serve these cuties with a glass of milk. Click here to read more about these little sandwiches.
5. Baked Chicken Nuggets the Heatlhy Way...
Kids love chicken nuggets! A great way to give them some protein before they run out to their after-school activities. Recipe: Baked Chicken Nuggets, the Healthy Way!
6. Veggies Platter with an EASY Avocado Dip...
Simple avocado dip you can easily make, or if you prefer- buy "already-made" guacamole dip. Serve with fresh veggies or tortilla chips. Click -Easy Avocado Dip recipe!
7. Fresh Homemade SALSA with Chips...
Homemade salsa is super easy, super fresh, and always best! Make it mild or make it spicy!
Add some sour cream on the side, and serve with organic, whole grain tortilla chips!
For recipe, click here.
8. Spinach and Kale Bites...
These are everyone's favorite and most popular! Delicious bites that are filled with spinach and kale. They'll never notice they're eating something healthy!
Recipe: -Spinach and Kale Bites-
9. Apples, Cheese and Grapes with Caramel Dip...
I saw this package at Publix, and thought it was a great idea. It's a bit expensive, so you may want to make it yourself. Add some sliced apples, red grapes and cubed cheeses and serve it with a caramel sauce. Your kids will go bonkers!
Here's a tip: Toss apple slices with a teaspoon or two of lemon juice to keep them from turning brown. Then keep them chilled until ready to serve.
10. Apple-Oatmeal Cookies...
If your kids are looking for cookies, then try these cuties!
Apple-Oatmeal Cookies..NO Sugar and NO Butter!.. are made with cinnamon, fresh apples, oats and chocolate chips. They're the healthier cookies!
Even adult kids - like me, lov'em!
Have a great weekend, ENJOY!
