You put a lot of effort into planning healthy back-to-school breakfasts for your kids—but what about those after school snacks? After a long day of learning, kids come home ready for a hearty snack. Giving them healthy options will help fuel them through their extracurricular activities—and keep them full until dinner. Healthy snacks also provide the vitamins and nutrients their growing bodies need while giving them a brain boost to help them tackle their homework.
The key is choosing healthy snacks that your kids will love. Avoid processed foods or candy, which can lead to weight gain and an unhelpful sugar crash.
Try these 6 healthy back-to-school snacks that provide fuel that’s good for them, too…no cooking required.
Bananas
A natural snack that also helps your kid meet their daily recommended servings of fruits and vegetables, bananas are rich in fiber and potassium, two nutrients that are important for your children’s growth and development. Fiber helps keep them regular, lowers bad cholesterol and keeps blood sugar levels steady, while heart-healthy potassium also supports nervous system activity. They are also easy for active kids to grab and eat on the run.
Protein Bars
While it might seem economical to buy one box of protein bars for the entire family, many
adult-sized versions have too many calories and too much protein for small children. Excess protein can stress your child’s liver and kidneys and can lead to dehydration. For just the right amount of fuel, GoMacro Kids and Zeek Bars are protein rich, low-sugar options created just for kids. They come in fun flavors like brownie and cookie dough that your kid will love.
Mixed Nuts
Unless your kids have an allergy, nuts are a great, portable snack that provide energy and will keep them full until dinner. You’ll want to check with your pediatrician about the appropriate serving size since it does vary by age (and never give nuts to kids under age 5, since they’re a choking hazard), but varieties like pistachios, almonds and cashews are all healthy options for kids in elementary school and beyond. Customizing a snack-sized assortment is a heart-healthy way to sneak more vitamin E, fiber and protein into their diet, as well as B vitamins that support brain function.
Yogurt
Available in many packages that don’t require a spoon to eat, yogurt is a convenient way to make sure your kids get important nutrients like protein, calcium and B12. Stock your refrigerator with fun flavors your kids can easily grab when they get home.
Coconut Water
While active kids love sports drinks, they can be packed with sugar. A healthier option is coconut water, which is safe for toddlers to teens. You could also try single-serve packets of Liquid IV, which is similar to Pedialyte and available in flavors like crisp apple and cotton candy.
Cheese and Crackers
While pre-packaged grab-and-go cheese and cracker snacks like Lunchables may seem convenient and healthy, recent reports show that they’re packed with unhealthy levels of salt and lead. Similar snacks contain unhealthy trans fats.
Instead of buying the pre-packed stuff, make your own! Cut some cheddar or Monterey jack cheese into cubes and add some Goldfish or other crackers. Portion everything out into fun containers to keep in your refrigerator. Your kid can grab their healthy snack after school. As an added incentive to get your kid to make the healthy choice, have them pick out or decorate the containers!
