10 Great Ideas for After-School Snacks

from Lily Taylor, RD, LD, GRMC Clinical Dietitian

Healthy snacks are good for all ages, not just kids. Snacks should be a combination of a protein, fat, and/or fiber food with a carbohydrate food to eat a variety of nutrients throughout the day.

Here are some ideas for snacks to try:

• Low-fat cheese with whole grain crackers
• Low-fat yogurt with two to three tablespoons chopped nuts
• Two sheets graham crackers with peanut or almond butter
• One piece of fruit and string cheese
• 13 baked corn chips with fresh salsa
• Hummus with cut vegetables or whole wheat pita bread
• Popcorn Trail Mix – 1 cup light popcorn mixed with ¼ cup nuts and 2 tablespoons raisins
• Cereal Trail Mix – ¼ cup nuts, 2 tablespoons dried fruit, 1 tablespoon chocolate pieces, and ¼ cup whole grain cereal
• Nut Butter Smoothie – Blend 1 cup low-fat vanilla yogurt, one banana, and 1 tablespoon of nut butter (peanut, almond, cashew…)
• Fruit Smoothie – Blend 6 oz. low-fat vanilla yogurt, ½ cup skim milk, 1 cup fresh or frozen berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries)

Try a few of these options for a fresh and wholesome snack!

Source: Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (www.eatright.org) and Kids Eat Right (www.eatright.org/kids)