9 Healthy and Easy After School Snacks

It’s 3:30 and your child is home after a long day of school.  They’re usually not only tired, but they’re also hungry!  The after school snack is the quintessential energy boost your child needs to get through homework, band rehearsal, or lacrosse practice.

Chips and other prepared snack foods are often full of sodium, calories, and other things that will slow you down.  There are plenty of equally easy options that offer a lot more nutritional value.  Whether your child is 6 or 16, here are some popular and healthy after school snacks!

• Ants on a Log – Probably the first “after school snack” that comes to mind.  Cut some celery, run some peanut butter down the center, and top with raisins!  Take it to the next level by trading raisins for grapes or blueberries.

• Fruit Pops – It might be tempting to just grab a popsicle out of your freezer, but making your own fresh fruit pops is a much healthier and more creative option.  Purchase a popsicle mold and use coconut water and sliced fruit to make this delicious and refreshing snack.

• Chocolate-dipped clementines – Take your cuties to the next level!  The chocolate satisfies your child’s sweet tooth, but the clementines ensure that they still get their daily dose of Vitamin C.

• Frozen Yogurt Drops – Choose your child’s favorite flavor of yogurt and spoon small dollops onto a piece of wax paper.  Freeze overnight on a cookie sheet for a cool and sweet treat filled with plenty of calcium and probiotics.

• Pizza-dillas – Put all of your favorite pizza toppings… inside of a tortilla!  This is much quicker and lighter option than making an actual pizza, but it gives kids all of the same flavors in a more snackable form.

• “Frones” – Use a melon baller to prepare a fruit medley, and then serve it in an ice cream cone!  Who says dessert is only for after dinner?

• Cracker Stackers – A healthy spin on your child’s favorite Lunchable.  Buy whole wheat crackers and cut up cheese and the lunch meat of your choice.  Not only is this snack filling, but it also has a lot of protein that will give your child the energy they need to get through soccer practice.

• Homemade Trail Mix – Another protein powerful after school snack, trail mix is the perfect on-the-go treat.  Nuts, popcorn, crackers, pretzels galore!  Add chocolate or dried fruit for a hint of sweet. Pack in a small Tupperware or a snack sized plastic baggie.

• Apple Nachos – Thinly slice apples and drizzle them with a peanut butter sauce, and then top it off with a handful chocolate chips or nuts.  This is a fun and healthier spin on a very shareable snack!

What are some of your go-to healthy snacks?  Share in the comment section below!