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Eating a healthy snack is so important for kids, especially in the afternoon. Not only will they need to refuel for the evening, fun and easy snacks can create a calm atmosphere to connect with your kids and see how school really was (as opposed to the typical ‘fine’).
You and your children deserve this quick time to reconnect once school gets out! As a mother of three, I have served my fair share healthy kid snacks that can be delicious and eaten by everyone- including my picky eater. I completely understand how feeding our children feels like an endless chore, but I believe if we can begin to make healthier snack choices, then we can begin to enjoy feeding our children and that precious time with them. Life is tricky enough! After-school snacks don’t have to be. I took the time to break down my favorite after school snack recipes for all of you Healthy Mama's. Once I started writing, I realized that I have three main categories that my kids simple snacks fall into 1) Simple Snacks for Hungry Kids 2) Healthy Recipes 3) Celebratory Food for when something big happens (like your first grader aces her spelling test) Here are my top food recipes for feeding my kids an afternoon meal. Disclosure: Us Mama's are busy, and we have the gift of home delivery, so for your convenience I have included some links of my favorite things from Amazon. I may receive some commissions for any purchases that you make through those links, making it possible for me to give you more tips to be a healthy and happy mama. Thank you for your support! How I serve my kids their snacks
  Easy Recipes for kids
It is always a good idea to keep these snack recipes on hand.
Write them down, print them off, put them on your refrigerator- whatever you need to do to help you remember them when you are in a pinch and want to feed your kid a healthy, filling snack. combining fruit and nut butter
string cheese and pretzels
I love this easy snack for kids! It is quick and can provide slow energy to get your kids through the rest of the day without tantrums. That means an easier time completing homework, playing with their siblings, even a simpler bedtime routine.
Trust me, Mama- you need this snack in your cupboard! veggies and hummus
This is one snack that I have found that my kids will inhale and immediately ask for more so I try to save it for days that they really need the energy (like after field day or we are going to their grandparents house for dinner). This snack is so easy!
Place vegetables like baby carrots, cucumbers, and broccoli on the tray with 2 tbsp of hummus. You might need to show them how to dip, but once they have this skill down be prepared to reload that plate!
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I love nice cream! Since I am dairy free, this ice cream alternative is super simple and delicious.
Blend 2 frozen banana with ½ cup of milk alternative (my favorite is oat milk!). Add rainbow sprinkles and enjoy! |
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Protein Pancakes with sprinkles
For whatever reason, protein pancakes put my kids in the best mood. Maybe its because they are so nutrient dense? Or maybe its how delicious they taste? Or maybe its how loved your kids feel when you make them. Who knows?
When I make my family protein pancakes, my favorite brand is Kodiak cakes. They make it easy to adjust the amount of protein and all of their flavors are delicious.
An easy way to have pancakes after school is make a big batch over the weekend and freeze any leftovers you may have like they do at MOMables.
When I make my family protein pancakes, my favorite brand is Kodiak cakes. They make it easy to adjust the amount of protein and all of their flavors are delicious.
An easy way to have pancakes after school is make a big batch over the weekend and freeze any leftovers you may have like they do at MOMables.
quesadilla with homemade refried beans
This snack recipe is probably my personal favorite for kids. Its delicious, filling, and even the pickiest eater will enjoy this healthy meal.
Why? Because this is meal is safe. There is no surprises because the recipe is so simple- just cheese, tortilla, and black beans.
To make homemade refried beans, blend black beans in your Ninja Blender (You can use canned black beans or check out how I make my beans from scratch) then fry them in a pan with a tablespoon of avocado oil for 2-4 minutes.
Place on top of quesadilla and enjoy the silence as your family eats.
Why? Because this is meal is safe. There is no surprises because the recipe is so simple- just cheese, tortilla, and black beans.
To make homemade refried beans, blend black beans in your Ninja Blender (You can use canned black beans or check out how I make my beans from scratch) then fry them in a pan with a tablespoon of avocado oil for 2-4 minutes.
Place on top of quesadilla and enjoy the silence as your family eats.
popcorn trail mix
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This snack is healthy and FUN (not to mention super easy). When I make this delicious snack, I make a big batch of it so I have enough for the week. This popcorn trail mix recipe can be stored in compostable bags or glass tupperware for up to a month so its easy to throw in your purse or lunch boxes if you want to treat your child after a huge accomplishment like earning a perfect score on the basketball competition in gym class.
Think about it- how excited would you be to see a bag of popcorn in your lunch box? Add one cup of each item to a bowl and gently mix
That's it! So easy and SO delicious!! |
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Final Thoughts on healthy after school snacks for kids
Food sends such a important message to our children- the importance of properly fueling your body with healthy snacks and how much you love them through that quality time. I love feeding my kids hearty, nutritious snacks like the recipes listed above.
Serving your children healthy food is always a good idea- especially their after school meal.
Serving your children healthy food is always a good idea- especially their after school meal.
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3 Comments
christine Ross
5/27/2020 02:53:15 pm
Great ideas! I always found it all started with nutrition - you put good things in, good things will happen! Great recipes!
6/12/2020 08:34:50 am
This is a great post. I know I had one to many afternoons that I would grab a bowl of chips after school.