5 Delicious Healthy Snacks That Are Easy To Make For Your Kids After School

After being at school all day, kids usually haven’t had a bite to eat since lunch.  That means that they come home ready to raid the fridge or cookie jar.  If you plan accordingly, you can help satisfy your child’s appetite by having some healthy snacks ready for when they walk through the door.  I’m going to give some healthy snack ideas here in this article that you may want to try and make.

Smoothies

Smoothies are a great way to get lots of nutrients in your child without sacrificing taste.  Allow your child to pick the types of fruits or vegetables that he/she wants blended.  To make, add one cup of liquid to the blender (milk, coconut water, plain water, or fruit juice).  Then add the fruits and vegetables.  Blend until it is smooth.  For added nutrients, add some raw fruit on top.

Peanut Butter and Jelly Bites

Source: Familycircle.com

Almost all children like peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.  But if you are looking to change up this simple recipe, then read on!  Not only does this contain your kid’s favorite snack, but also some added healthy ingredients.

What you will need:

• 1 cup of chunky natural peanut butter
• 1/3 cup of pure maple syrup
• 1/3 cup of water
• 4 cups of old-fashioned oats
• 1/2 cup of unsalted sunflower seeds
• 1/2 cup of quinoa
• 12 ounce of strawberry preserves

1. Mix peanut butter, maple syrup and 1/3 cup water in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir until peanut butter is melted and ingredients are combined.
2. In a large bowl, mix together oats, sunflower seeds, and quinoa. Stir in peanut butter mixture until well combined.
3. Line two 12-cup muffin tins with paper wrappers. Scoop 2 tbsp of the peanut butter and oats mixture into each wrapper, pressing down well with a spatula. Spread 2 tsp of the preserves over peanut butter and oats mixture in each cup. Add 2 more tbsp peanut butter and oats mixture to cover preserves, pressing down well with a spatula.
4. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes, until bites begin to brown. Cool in muffin tins 10 minutes; remove from tins to a wire rack and cool to room temperature. Store in an airtight container.

Mini Fruit Pizzas

Source: Pillsbury.com

This recipe doesn’t contain all healthy ingredients.  But with the added variety fruit, this recipe is a real winner for children.

What you will need:

• 1 package of cookie dough (Sugar Cookies)
• 1 package of softened cream cheese
• 1/2 cup of powdered sugar (if desired)
• 2 tablespoons frozen limeade concentrate
• Fresh fruit (blueberries, sliced strawberries, and kiwis)

Strawberry Energy Balls

Source: Brendid.com

This recipe is excellent for those times when you are in a hurry, and your kids need a snack.  Since they will last up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator, this can be a snack that your kids eat over and over again.

What you will need:

• 1½ cups of whole rolled oats (chopped lightly in a food processor)
• 1½ cups of crispy rice cereal
• ½ cup of shredded coconut (unsweetened)
• ¼ cup of chia seeds
• ¼ cup of flax seed (ground)
• ½ cup of natural peanut butter
• ¼ cup of virgin coconut oil
• ¼ cup of honey
• 1/2 cup of freeze dried strawberries

1. Stir together peanut butter, coconut oil, and honey in a small mixing bowl until smooth
2. Combine dry ingredients in a large bowl.
3. Pour peanut butter mixture over dry ingredients and mix until evenly combined.

4. Chill mixture for 20 minutes to several hours. Press 2 tablespoons of the mixture together into small balls and store in a covered glass container.

5. (You can also press the mix into a greased 9″ X 13″ pan, chill, and cut into 4 rows of 8 squares.)

6. Store in refrigerator for up to 2 weeks

Baked Garlic Parmesan Zucchini Chips

This recipe makes it easy to load on the nutrients in a tasty way.  These are similar to potato chips, but they are much healthier.

Source: Diethood.com

What you will need:

• 3 to 4 zucchini, sliced into 1/4-inch to 1/2-inch rounds
• 3 tablespoons of olive oil
• Salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2- cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• cooking spray

1. Preheat oven to 450.
2. Line 3 baking sheets with foil; lightly spray with cooking spray and set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine zucchini slices, olive oil, salt, and pepper; mix until well combined.
4. In a separate bowl, combine panko crumbs, Parmesan cheese, oregano, and garlic powder.
5. Dip slices of zucchini in cheese mixture and coat on both sides, pressing on the coating to stick.
6. Place the zucchini slices in a single layer on the previously prepared baking sheets.
7. Lightly spray each slice with cooking spray. This will help with achieving a crunchier texture.
8. Bake for 10 minutes; rotate pan and continue to bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until chips are golden brown.
9. Remove from oven.

Final Thoughts

I hope that these recipes gave you some ideas for even more healthy snacks for your kiddos.  Many of these ingredients can be replaced with other ingredients to satisfy your child’s taste buds.  By planning accordingly, your children can get nutrients from healthy snacks instead of empty calories from after school junk food. I hope that these healthy snacks are a big hit with your little ones!