Whip up some healthy after school snacks!

After a busy day at school, most kids are coming home and raiding the fridge. So why not keep your kitchen stocked with kid-friendly ingredients so they can make healthy and stove-free snacks themselves! The key is to make healthful snacks in your house visible, convenient and effortless. Having healthy choices in your home is something you can do for them and take advantage of yourself.

Here are some healthful tips:

• Keep fresh fruit on the counter where kids can see it.
• Wash and cut up vegetables ahead of time, so they're ready to eat.
• Store them in see-through containers or clear plastic bags so kids can see what's inside.
• Put nutrient-rich foods where they can be easily reached, like on lower shelves in the refrigerator, pantry or cabinet.

Try some of these yummy treats:

• Peel a banana and cover it in yogurt. Roll in crushed cereal and freeze for a healthy popsicle.
• Mix together ready-to-eat cereal, dried fruit and nuts in a sandwich bag for an on-the-go snack.
• Make snack kabobs. Put cubes of low-fat cheese and grapes on pretzel sticks.
• Half a whole-wheat English muffin topped with pizza sauce and mozzarella cheese and heated in the microwave.

Healthy snacks can also be pre-packaged, just be sure to check the nutrition facts and ingredient list before purchasing the food. If you do not bring unhealthy choices into your home, your child will not have the chance to eat foods that are not good for them. So shop wisely and give your growing child the nutritious snacks their bodies crave!
For more information on healthy snacks and meal ideas, visit www.mypyramid.gov

Reference:

• www.eatright.org
• www.fruitsandveggiesmatter.gov