Parents should encourage hungry kids to eat healthy snacks. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, snacks after school make up about a third of a child's total calorie intake for the day. Making sure those snacks are healthy is a matter of using the right ingredients that are both healthy and tasty.
Ants On a Log
Part of getting kids to eat healthy snacks is making it fun, according to the Mayo Clinic. A fun way to get kids a serving of vegetables, fruit and protein is ants on a log. Take sticks of celery and cut them in 6-inch strips. Spread low-fat peanut butter in the center indentation of the celery and top with a row of raisins. Kids will get a kick out of the presentation.
Peanut Butter Pizza
Most kids love pizza, so make them one with healthier ingredients. Bake a normal, empty pizza crust, let it cool and spread low-fat peanut butter on it. Top it with bananas and raisins. One portion will give your child a healthy 8 g of protein.
Fruit Cone
Ice cream is loaded with sugar and fat, but substituting fruit for the cold stuff can be a fun way to get a serving of fruit in as a snack. Take a regular sugar cone and load it with fresh, cut up fruit like strawberries, peaches, grapes and bananas. Drizzle honey over the top and serve with a spoon.
Wormy Apples
A fun way to get a serving of fruit in your kids, wormy apples are easy to prepare. Peel and remove the core of an apple. Take a serving of low-fat peanut butter and low-sugar jelly and combine in a bowl. Stuff the center of the apple with the mixture and place in the oven for 30 minutes at 350 degrees until the apple is tender. Let the apple cool and stick a gummy worm in the top and serve.
Quesadillas
Kids love finger foods because they're easy to eat, so fix up some quick and easy quesadillas with a low-fat sour cream dip for a great after school snack. Take two low-fat tortillas and garnish one with skim milk cheese, green peppers, tomatoes and onions for plenty of vegetables. Put the other tortilla on top and place on a hot skillet. Turn until the tortillas on both sides are browned and the cheese is melted. Combine low-fat sour cream with salsa for a healthy dip.
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