Need after-school snacks that won’t ruin dinner? Yes, it’s possible!
Kids are always hungry when they get home from a hard day of learning. They need brain food to power them through their homework! But that doesn’t mean their snacks have to fill them up so much that they won’t want to eat dinner. In fact, there are some snacks that will fill them up just enough to get them through and still leave them hungry enough to eat what you put on the evening dinner table.
Easy Snacks For Kids To Make
One of the biggest gifts we can give our kids is learning how to feed themselves well. This lesson can easily start with snacks! Kids feel empowered when they know their way around the kitchen, and giving them healthy options is the best way to ensure they learn how to work with healthy, real foods. Simple snacks are something all school-aged children should be able to manage. So set them up for success! Make sure the fridge is stocked and that they know what they can help themselves to when they get home. It takes the stress off of you too!
Kid Appetizers
If you feel a little lost trying to stock the fridge for the kids, think of kid appetizers. Just small, healthy bites that are easy to serve and have a nice dose of nutritional value. Think whole, real foods in small pieces. Things like, carrots and hummus or celery and nut or seed butter. Real foods they can easily grab from the fridge and put together without cutting or cooking.
Healthy School Snack List
Make a list. Life is always easier with a list. Think of all the real, wholesome foods your kids actually like, and then pair them together in tasty ways. Posting that list on the fridge does double duty because then your kids also know what is available to them with a simple glance at the fridge door. I actually found a magnetized whiteboard that I attached to the fridge so Mini Chef can easily cross things off as he eats them. This way I know I need to get more when he runs out.
Easy To Make Snacks Without Cooking
If your kids come home to an empty house, it can be a little nerve-racking to think of them turning on the stove while you’re still at work. Especially if they are on the younger side. Using real foods that can be eaten raw or things that can be taken out of the fridge and don’t need warming are your best bets. Even if your kids know how to work the microwave, fresh, real foods are the best nutritionally. So make sure they have access and know how to put together combinations they will enjoy.
After-School Snacks That Won’t Ruin Dinner
 | FROZEN GRAPES (Photo & Recipe courtesy of eMeals) After a long day at school, few things are as refreshing and refueling as these little goodies. Kids love them, they won't make a mess, and they are easy to put in a bag or bowl to munch on while doing homework. |
 | HUMMUS WITH WHOLE GRAIN PITAS OR VEGGIES (Photo & Recipe courtesy of eMeals) This one is fantastic. It gives your kids fiber and whole grains and/or veggies and is just filling enough in smaller amounts to still leave them hungry for dinner. |
 | WATERMELON CUBES WITH FETA (Photo & Recipe courtesy of eMeals) This delicious treat gives them a little bit of sweet with a little bit of tang along with some hydration. Not a bad deal after a hard day of learning! |
 | GRANOLA Granola is always a wonderfully portable and filling snack. This delicious recipe won't leave you or your kids wanting. Just put a little dry granola in a bowl for them to munch on while they do homework or watch tv. |
 | COCONUT GRANOLA BARS If you have a little time before you pick the kids up, try making a quick batch of these Coconut Granola Bars! Yum! |
 | AFTER SCHOOL CRACKERS If your kids like a little more crunch in their after school snacks, try nut butter on whole grain crackers and top with a little fruit! |
 | PERFECTLY HEALTHY BANANA PUDDING You can't go wrong with only the purest of ingredients in a bowl of pudding. If your kids want a little something sweeter after school, you can give them this without any guilt or worry whatsoever! Check it out here. |
 | COCONUT POPCORN Popcorn is the ultimate kid's snack. I haven't met a child yet who doesn't like popcorn and it's quick and easy to make! Try this recipe here for Coconut Popcorn. Soooo good! |
 | BLUEBERRY COTTAGE CHEESE Most kids don't generally go straight for a container of cottage cheese. But add a little fruit, some chia seeds and maybe a touch of honey, and they'll be asking for it again and again. Check it out here. |
 | CHIPS & GUACAMOLE Guacamole is easy to make and will definitely help fill up those little tummies without getting them too overly full. Try this recipe! |
 | BANANA WRAPS If you're looking for a fast and easy snack they can even eat on the go (like in the car on the way home!), this is a wonderful option. |
 | PUMPKIN FRUIT LEATHER These make-ahead snacks are perfect for after-school snacking for kids of any age. give the recipe a try. It makes a lot, so you'll have it for plenty of future snacks. |
What do you think? Pretty good list? What do you typically feed your kids after school?
From the Gracious Pantry archives. Originally posted 8/10/13.
