|
Creative and healthier after-school snack ideas
From
ARAcontent
[September 03, 2012]
(ARA) --
When school
starts, kids' schedules fill up fast, and that means they need the
right fuel to keep their growing bodies and minds satisfied. After a
long day of learning, kids require a snack that will get them
through homework, after-school sports and other activities until
dinner is served. Before you reach for the default bag of chips,
consider these healthier alternatives that are just as easy and
convenient.
|
|
Creative, healthier after-school snack ideas that your kids will
gobble up:
1. Refresh with frozen applesauce
Applesauce has been a snacking staple for years, but now you
can add a little excitement to those prepackaged apple packs. Simply
buy Tree Top applesauce cups, made with 100 percent USA apples, and
place them in the freezer for a tasty treat similar to sorbet and a
healthier alternative to most ice cream and frozen snacks. Kids can
grab them on their own when they get home from school so mom and dad
don't have to lift a finger. Stock up on Tree Top apple juice boxes,
too, for a complementary, easy grab-and-go drink option.
2. Delight in dip
It's no secret kids love to dip, so make after-school snacking
more interesting by providing dip along with fresh fruit, veggies
and crackers. Instead of salad dressing, change things up by mixing
a single-serve applesauce cup with two tablespoons of peanut butter
for a healthier dip alternative. Watch as your little ones wolf down
their carrots, celery, apples, pretzels and more. Parents love that
this dip option has many nutritional benefits -- the applesauce in
it is a good source of vitamin C and peanut butter is packed with
protein.
3. Wrap it up
Keeping whole-wheat tortillas on hand is a smart move for any parent
because they are extremely versatile. When kids come home from
school hungry, it's easy to take a tortilla and fill it with their
favorite nutritious fillings. For example, spread with classic
peanut butter and jelly, add some banana and honey, or fill with
turkey and mozzarella for a satisfying snack that keeps kids focused
through all their homework.
[to top of second column] |
4. Happily hydrated
Making sure kids are hydrated is an important part of keeping
them healthy and feeling great each day. When kids are busy at
school and with after-school activities, they can become dehydrated
quickly. Instead of sugary sodas, choose a more nutritious
alternative like Tree Top reduced-sugar 100 percent fruit juices.
These tasty and refreshing drinks are made with hydrating coconut
water and no artificial sweeteners and have 25 percent less sugar
than regular 100 percent juices.
5. A smooth finish to the school day
Smoothies are a fun way for kids to get a ton of nutrients in one drink. It's easy for parents to stock up on frozen fruit at
the local grocery store. Then, when kids get home, they can choose
what flavors they want and parents can blend the fruit with low-fat
milk, yogurt and ice for a cool and delicious drink. Parents might even
sneak in a few veggies by adding a splash of vegetable juice or a
couple of pre-steamed vegetables like carrots, kale or squash. The
fruit flavors are so robust, kids won't even notice the
veggies.
Healthy after-school snacks don't have to be boring or bland.
Parents can try
these ideas and feel good about what their kids eat. The kids
may love them so much they'll be requesting them every day.
[Article from
ARAcontent] |
