Easy and Nutritious After-School Snacks

Many busy parents find that jobs and daily responsibilities can get in the way of encouraging your child to eat right. The good news, however, is that there are tons of easy, nutritious snacks that you can give your kids after daycare or school that are delicious and healthy for them at the same time.

• Carrots and hummus. This delicious, healthful snack is rich in vitamins and protein. The olive oil in the hummus is also beneficial—as a good fat, it can help lower cholesterol and protect against heart disease.
• Popcorn with nutritional yeast. For one serving, combine 2 cups fresh popcorn with 1 tablespoon of nutritional yeast. It tastes like cheesy popcorn, but it is lower in cholesterol and calories! Kids love the crunchy texture and cheesy taste.
• Chocolate trail mix. This is a really simple snack, but be careful with portions, as this is a snack that’s salty and high in calories. Give your child a handful and some celery sticks too.
• Tropical cottage cheese. Chop up a ½ cup of fresh mango and pineapple and toss it with ½ cup non-fat cottage cheese. It’s scrumptious and filling, and kids love the sweet taste!
• Crunchy curried tuna salad. Mix ½ cup of canned tuna with 1 teaspoon of curry powder, 1 tablespoon of red onion, a two chopped ribs of celery. Tuna is a heart-healthy food that kids love.
• Pistachios. Your child can enjoy 25 of these for a super-simple snack on the go.
• Apple and peanut butter. Top ½ an apple with 1 teaspoon natural peanut butter—it’s as simple as that!

Of course, in addition to healthful snacks, ensuring that your child is exercising daily is crucial for their healthy development. Whether it’s at school or at home, physical activity is also of the utmost significance—regular exercise will help your children gain life-long benefits, as it is optimal for preventing obesity and obesity-related health conditions, boosting their self-confidence, encouraging social skill development, and

For top-quality childcare, preschool, and kindergarten preparation, enroll your child at Kidspace Child Enrichment Center. Our child care experts are knowledgeable and dedicated to providing excellent early childhood care. To learn more about our programs, please call our friendly and knowledgeable staff members at (360) 944-9300.