
If your kids are like mine, the first thing they think about after school is food! This why having healthy after school snacks is a great time to get some nutrition in them.
Even though we homeschool, our kids go to an academy a couple of days a week. They need some time to relax and eat a snack before doing anything else, but I don’t want them to get so full on snacks that they don’t want dinner.
When you have high fiber foods like fruits, vegetables or a whole grain on hand for snacks, the fiber fills them up, yet they should still want dinner later.
Below you will find some healthy and (mostly) quick healthy after school snacks that your kids will love!
1. Fruit tray

There is just something about cut fresh fruit that is hard to resist — even for kids! They will be excited about all the color and variety, and putting it on a special platter or tray will make it more appealing. You can even add some date caramel as a healthy dip!
2. Carrots and hummus.

Carrots and hummus are a great way to satisfy that craving for crunch, while also delivering some good nutrition! You might also be able to sneak in some other raw veggies, such as thinly sliced bell peppers!
3. Popcorn.

Pop your own or buy a bag of popcorn for a snack you don’t even need to prep for! Aim for a popcorn that is non-GMO if at all possible, since corn is a food that is commonly a GMO food. Also, if you buy a bag of popcorn, try to find one that uses olive or avocado oil if possible. My kids love this one that I found at our local grocery store!

4. Healthy Muffins.

Who doesn’t love a good muffin? These are such a great snack, because you can meal prep these ahead of time and use them as a breakfast or snack. Most muffins can stay in the freezer until you need them!
If you need an idea for a healthy muffin that is very kid-approved, try my gluten-free pumpkin muffins! If you don’t need to make them gluten-free, you can use an all-purpose flour!
5. Apple and peanut butter.

Apples and peanut butter make such a healthy after school snack, providing protein, fiber and lots of vitamin C! If your little ones don’t like the apple skin, you they might prefer you peel them and slice. Even though the skins are so good for you, it might be good to “meet them in the middle” and make it more palatable for them.
This is another one of those snacks that would be delicious with a date caramel!
You may be thinking “Those look really healthy, but my kids want junk foods and will never eat those!” I get it! I would rather have junk foods than healthier foods myself if that’s what I’ve been eating.
Here are some tips for helping your kids to want these healthy snacks!
1. Don’t keep the junk foods in the house.
As plant-based YouTube star Chef AJ says, “If it’s in your house, it’s in your mouth!” If you typically keep a lot of junk foods in your house, the best way to change your kids’ palette is to change your kids’ (or your own!) palettes is to throw the junk out!
The truth is, when we are truly hungry, an apple tastes really good. Not many people choose an apple over an Oreo if given the choice!
2. Model eating these foods yourself.
I’ve seen this in my own house, with my own kids. When I am eating healthy, my kids are eating healthy. What we do has more impact than what we say!
3. Get your kids involved in the kitchen.
It is amazing how much kids love to help in the kitchen when we let them! Sometimes it can be a bit messy, and take a little longer, but you will reap the benefits!
Not only will they obtain lifelong skills, but they will be more likely to want to experiment with new and healthy foods!
4. Let them have some say.
If your kid really doesn’t like apples, find another fruit they love. My daughter loves to make a fruit salad, so why not let her make that as a snack?
When we give our kids some control over what they eat within reason, it can help alleviate some of the food battle issues!
I hope this gives you some fun ideas for some healthy after school snacks that not only your kids will enjoy, but will also give them some good nutrition!
Leave a Reply