Kid-Friendly Snacks
The after-school, pre-dinner lull is the happiest hour of the day with these yummy spot-on snacks.
Kids may love TV and video games. When most kids get home from school, they head straight for the fridge. Whether you’re there to whirl up a smoothie or not, here are some easy-to-make and make-ahead healthy snacks sure to energize them for a game of tag. With the exception of the smoothie and the pizza, they can all be made in advance, ensuring that 3 to 4 p.m. will be a happy hour for all.
Build a Better Snack
No amount of coercion or bribing will get kids to eat better. What will? Being a good role model by eating better yourself. Here are a few more tips to help:
1, Make healthy snacks accessible and visible. Set out a bowl of carrots and bell pepper sticks, grapes, cherry tomatoes or nuts for your kids to nibble on.
2. Try new things . . . and keep trying. It takes at least five times for kids to embrace new foods, so keep at it.
3. Make it fun. Kids will often eat foods they’re not familiar with if they’re presented in fun and unexpected ways. Serve brothy soups with a long straw or make carrots fun by sharpening with with a clean pencil sharpener. Whatever works.
Kids love this creamy hummus with sliced vegetables or pita bread.
This parfait double as a well-balanced breakfast—that’s how much your kids will love it!
Peanut Butter Granola Clusters
Great for kids, great for you, these peanut butter clusters are an easy make-ahead snack.
Berries, orange and a touch of almond flavoring make this an ideal dip for any fruit.
A chocolate smoothie hits the spot for that afternoon slump and provides a jolt of calcium.
This spicy dip—high in calcium and vitamin C—is a perfect party appetizer served with a vegetable dunkers or toasted pita crisps.
Heart-healthy monounsaturated fats from the peanuts and peanut butter, and fiber in the cereal make this a nutritious alternative to chips.
