School's Out - Now What? Some After School Snack Ideas!

In recent weeks we’ve explored and shown some healthy breakfast and lunchbox options for parents and carers of school-aged kids.

But what about when the bell goes at the end of the school day?

Some kids will go straight to sports training, others for play dates or parks and some will hurtle through the front door, dropping their bags and head straight to the fridge or pantry!

Whatever the scenario, kids will need and welcome some healthy after school snack options.

Snacks are small meals that offer great opportunities to increase fibre and nutrients like vitamins and minerals, antioxidants and a protein or energy top up. Flexibility and variety are key to keeping the kids well nourished.

To make a nutrient filled afternoon snack have a look at my top 3 recommendations:

• Include 1 to 3 food groups with options that provide both protein and fibre such as:

Cereal + Dairy                                                       

Examples: milk with cereal, porridge with yoghurt, cheese and crackers, a piece of toast with cottage cheese and berries

Fruit + Nuts + Dairy  

Examples:   banana and peanut butter, apple with a handful of nuts, a smoothie with mango, yoghurt and nut meal or nut spread

       Cereal + Nuts / Fat

Examples: a piece of multi grain toast with avocado or nut spread, muesli bar         

Vegetables + protein + cereal     

Examples: carrot sticks with cottage cheese or tuna + crackers, boiled egg sliced on piece of multi grain toast.

• Keep it simple: sometimes a piece of fruit can be enough.

• Depending on the age and physical activity of your kids, you will need to include up to 3  food groups. Remember that the food groups are: cereals, veggies, fruit, dairy and meat/meat alternatives.

One of my favourite recipes that I make with my son after school is a fruit smoothie with some seeds. You can use any fruit you like with different toppings and flavourings.

It’s quick, simple and affordable, and you can watch and follow it right here!

So, in our recent blog posts, we’ve provided some tips for getting children through the school day. It’s about starting the day right with healthy breakfast choices, filling their lunchboxes with sustainable goodness and keeping them going after school to tie them over until dinner time!

We hope we’ve helped in some way!

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