Whether you have small kindergarteners or high-school teens, students seem to be starving as soon as they get home from school. The trick is to feed them food that won’t ruin their dinner but is still filling enough to satisfy their cravings.
It is tempting and of course, extremely convenient to offer children ready-made packaged products often high in carbs (sugar and single carbohydrates). I am definitely advocating for more whole-grains. If you could provide easy and healthy alternatives that also taste yummy, why wouldn’t you?
Here are some good-for-you snacks that have been favorites in my family:
1. Fresh broccoli florets with low-fat ranch dip or even cheese sauce
2. Baked potatoes (I prefer Yukon as they are smaller and tastier) with cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon
3. Baked sweet potato fries sprinkled with freshly grated Parmesan cheese
4. Apple slices with peanut butter
5. Greek yogurt with fresh fruits (raspberries with a little honey and a drop or so of vanilla make a great combination) or with granola
6. Hummus with pitas and cucumbers and carrots
7. Your favorite deviled eggs
8. Steamed pork dumplings (I make a couple of batches and freeze for whenever I need them. Simply put dumplings in a microwave-safe container with a little water and wrap it with a plastic wrap, then cook for a few minutes)
9. Any fresh fruits or fruit smoothies, fresh vegetables or veggie smoothies
10. Spinach dip made with yogurt and low-fat sour cream served with whole wheat crackers or bagel chips
11. Baked tortilla chips with tomato salsa or other kind of salsas
12. Bagels with light cream cheese
All these ideas are not just for kids—these will please grownup palates just the same.
