Healthy After School Snacks for Children

Now that schools are back in session every parents will face the inevitable, "I want a snack" chorus singing in neighborhoods across the country. What's a parent to do? If you are growing tired of the pre-packaged convenience foods, serve some of these old tried and true after school snacks for your children.

Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches- The old PB & J. This classic sandwich has been around for generations yet it still has an appeal to the under 12 crowd. Boost the nutritional value by serving peanut butter on whole grain bread and using fruit preserves with no additives.

Carrot/celery sticks and dressing - Carrot sticks are a great after school snack. Carrots are easily assessable to kids for self-serving. Add some favorite dip and the taste buds are smiling. Celery sticks are another source of healthy snacks for children. Add some peanut butter and a few raisins on top for extra nutrition.

Cheese and Crackers -Whole grain crackers with low fat cheese is a winning combination for a snack. Put a small slice of cheese between two crackers for a cheese sandwich. The grain and protein combination will satisfy the appetite until dinner time. Try a variety of cheeses such as cheddar, Swiss and mozzarella.

Yogurt- There are so many varieties of yogurt available now you are bound to find one to suit the needs for the hungry snacker...Yogurt is easy to serve and can also be eaten on the go. Add some crunchy granola to the cup for texture and flavor.

Popcorn - Popcorn is a fantastic, fun after school snack. There are so many varieties available to consumers. Microwave popcorn comes in a variety of flavors and sizes. Try the old fashioned version of popping the popcorn on the stove. It is quick and won't bust the budget. A bag of popcorn is only a few dollars but will go a long way. Serve it in brown lunch sacks for a quick clean up. There is something about popcorn that puts kids in a festive mood so add some popcorn to the after school snack list.

Milk and Cookies - Serve some delicious low-fat milk with some homemade cookies for a special after school snack and treat. Use whole grain flour in place of white flour for healthier cookies. Oatmeal, raisins and nuts may also be added to the mix for a delicious cookie. Serve a couple of warm cookies with a glass of cold milk and it is sure to be a winner with the kids.