Easy Healthy Afterschool Snack Ideas: Fuel Your Kids' Day with MyPlate
As kids head back to school, having a stash of healthy afterschool snacks becomes a must for parents. After a long day of learning and playing, children need a snack that provides balanced nutrition to refuel their bodies and keep them going until dinner. The USDA's MyPlate guidelines make it easy to create snacks that are not only delicious but also packed with essential nutrients!
Why Choose MyPlate for Healthy Afterschool Snacks?
The MyPlate method encourages a balanced diet with a variety of foods from different groups: fruits, vegetables, grains, protein, and dairy. To improve variety, let’s make snacks out of at least three food groups! This helps ensure that kids are getting a mix of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, along with vitamins and minerals to support their growth and energy needs.
10 Easy Healthy Afterschool Snack Ideas
Here are ten simple MyPlate-inspired snack ideas that incorporate at least three food groups. These are perfect for fueling your kids' bodies and minds after a busy school day!
- Apple Slices with Peanut Butter and Granola
- Food Groups: Fruits, Protein, Grains
- Slice up an apple, spread a thin layer of peanut butter, and sprinkle with granola. This snack provides fiber, protein, and healthy fats, keeping kids full and satisfied.
- Veggie Sticks with Hummus and Whole Grain Crackers
- Food Groups: Vegetables, Protein, Grains
- Offer a mix of carrot sticks, cucumber slices, and bell pepper strips with a side of hummus and whole-grain crackers. This combo delivers vitamins, fiber, and protein.
- Greek Yogurt with Mixed Berries and Nuts
- Food Groups: Dairy, Fruits, Protein
- A bowl of Greek yogurt topped with fresh berries and nuts is a perfect blend of protein, probiotics, and antioxidants.
- Mini Whole Grain Wrap with Turkey, Cheese, and Spinach
- Food Groups: Grains, Protein, Dairy, Vegetables
- Roll up a small whole-grain tortilla with slices of turkey, a slice of cheese, and a handful of spinach for a protein-packed snack that also sneaks in some greens.
- Cottage Cheese with Pineapple Chunks and Almonds
- Food Groups: Dairy, Fruits, Protein
- Mix cottage cheese with chunks of pineapple and sprinkle with slivered almonds. This combination provides a balance of carbs, protein, and healthy fats.
- Banana and Nut Butter on Whole Grain Toast
- Food Groups: Fruits, Protein, Grains
- Spread your child’s favorite nut butter on a slice of whole-grain toast and top with banana slices for a sweet and satisfying snack that’s full of fiber and protein.
- Smoothie with Spinach, Banana, and Greek Yogurt
- Food Groups: Vegetables, Fruits, Dairy
- Blend spinach, banana, and Greek yogurt with a splash of milk or juice for a creamy smoothie that sneaks in a serving of vegetables.
- Cheese Cubes with Whole Grain Crackers and Grapes
- Food Groups: Dairy, Grains, Fruits
- Pair cheese cubes with whole-grain crackers and a handful of grapes for a snack that provides calcium, fiber, and natural sweetness.
- Hard-Boiled Egg with Cherry Tomatoes and Whole Wheat Pita Chips
- Food Groups: Protein, Vegetables, Grains
- Combine a hard-boiled egg with cherry tomatoes and whole wheat pita chips for a snack that’s rich in protein and antioxidants.
- Trail Mix with Nuts, Dried Fruit, and Whole Grain Cereal
- Food Groups: Protein, Fruits, Grains
- Make a homemade trail mix with a blend of nuts, dried fruit, and whole-grain cereal. This easy snack is perfect for on-the-go munching and provides a great mix of nutrients.
Tips for Preparing Healthy Afterschool Snacks
- Plan Ahead: Prepare snacks in advance and if possible, in bulk, to make them easily accessible when hunger strikes.
- Get Kids Involved: Let kids choose their favorite fruits, veggies, or whole grains to create their own snack combinations.
- Keep It Colorful: Incorporate a variety of colors from different food groups to make snacks visually appealing and nutritionally balanced.
- Think Portion Sizes: Keep snacks in appropriate portions to avoid spoiling dinner, and consider packing them in fun, reusable containers or baggies.
Making Your Healthy Afterschool Snack
By incorporating MyPlate guidelines into your snack planning, you can ensure that your kids enjoy healthy afterschool snacks that provide the nutrition they need to stay energized and focused. Try these easy and delicious snack ideas and watch how they help fuel your child's day!
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