If you’re kids are anything like mine…they LOVE snacks.
And I’m not going to lie, my daughter started Kindergarten {cue the tears} this year, and when I found out there weren’t any snacks, I may have panicked just a little bit. I could just see my daughter starving from no snacks…but then she didn’t even eat all her lunch so…I’m thinking she’s going to be okay.
But her hunger comes in full force as soon as she gets home from school. And I don’t blame her…it’s been a good 3 to 4 hours since lunch!
When your hungry kiddos come home from school, instead of reaching for the sugar-filled granola bars or fruit snacks, try some of these healthier after-school {or anytime, really} snacks.
Berry Smoothie Bowl
Smoothies are one of the easiest ways to sneak in greens! Try one of our favorite recipes: Blend 1 cup spinach, 1 cup unsweetened almond milk, 3⁄4 to 1 cup frozen mixed berries, and 1 T almond butter. Then top with your favorite toppings! Your kids won’t even know they’re eating something healthy.
Roasted Chickpeas
You won’t be able to have just one – I promise. I have to double and even triple this recipe every time because my 5 year old and I eat them all as soon as they cool. It’s the perfect crunchy snack. Grab the Roasted Chickpeas recipe here.
Apple Nachos
This is a favorite of ours and often acts as a healthier dessert option. Slice up an apple and spread your favorite nut butter {make sure there aren’t any oils or added sugar!} on the apple slices. Then top with cacao nibs {or chocolate chips} and unsweetened coconut flakes.
Veggie and Nuts
My girls are far more likely to eat veggies if I pair them with something salty. We love carrots and almonds or sugar snap peas and cashews. This is also our go-to for a snack before bed: healthy fat and fiber.
Larabar
This is my favorite on the go snack. I always try to make sure we have them on hand so I can throw them in my bag as we head out the door. {Note: If you have younger children please make sure you cut the bars up into pieces, as there can be bigger nut pieces. I do this for Iylee to make sure all the big pieces are out.} I love that Larabars have simple and minimal ingredients.
Banana Nice Cream
If you haven’t made banana ice cream, you’re missing out! My girls swoon over this, and it’s incredibly easy to make. Blend a frozen banana with a touch of unsweetened almond milk and nut butter. Top with unsweetened coconut flakes and chocolate chips. If you want something a little fancier, try this Oatmeal Cookie Dough Nice Cream.
Trail Mix
I love making my own trail mix, especially for road trips. This is a great snack to pack if you have after school errands or activities. My favorite mix is raw cashews, raw almonds, chocolate chips, and cranberries.
Quinoa Bowl
Make a mini version for their snack or a larger portion for a quick breakfast in the morning! Quinoa bowls are another versatile snack and the best part is all the toppings! Cook quinoa according to the package. Scoop hot quinoa in a bowl and top with coconut flakes, almond slices, almond butter, chocolate chips, and top it off with a drizzle of honey. So much YUM!
Energy Bites
My girls are obsessed with these. There are a zillion recipes for them, and I love that they’re easy to make and so versatile. The possibilities are truly endless. You can be creative and add something or omit something you don’t like. Here is my go-to recipe.
Dates & Almond Butter
We love this sweet treat. I often serve this as a dessert with their lunch. Cut the date in half {remove pit} and add your favorite nut butter: simple and delicious!
I’d love to hear from you! What are your go-to snacks for your kiddos?
photos by Kara Swanson
Kara is the founder and certified nutrition coach of Life Well Lived, where she shares her passion to educate and empower women how to properly nourish their bodies using whole foods. She is passionate about showing how living a healthy lifestyle can be easy, simple and delicious. Kara is the creator of Transform: Nutrition Bootcamp where she helps clients not only lose weight but live a life well lived.
What great ideas! I’m going to start my little guy with some of these now, even though he’s only almost 2. I can see him LOVING the banana ice cream and he’s already an energy bite fan. I’m also going to stock up on Larabars next time at the store. Those will be so easy while out and about. Thanks for the tips, Kara!
Oh I bet he will love the banana ice cream! And I always try to have a Larabar on hand for on the go! So glad you liked the snack ideas!
GREAT list of healthy and yummy snacks for after school and just any time, Kara! Thanks for the ideas. ?
You are so welcome! 🙂
Love your ideas! Can’t wait to try them!
Thank you! Let me know which one you try. 🙂
These are all so practical! Thank you. My kids will love these!
I’m so glad they were helpful! Enjoy!