My four year old daughter would be starving by the time I picked her up from school. Often, I’d find myself stopping at a fast food restaurant to pick up something cheap and filling to tide her over for the long ride home. There just didn’t seem to be enough hours in a day for me to prepare healthy after school snacks. I went to work, maintained my household and everything else in between. By the time I actually sat down to breathe, it was time to get up and do the same thing all over again so I cut corners. Little did I know, I’d pay much sooner than later. I was stuck in a rut! And when my daughter started asking me to pull over and get some chicken nuggets on the regular I knew I had to do a new thing or else we’d both be part of America’s ever growing obesity problem. Stopping to pick up a little something here and there was wrecking havoc on my pockets and our health. I had to make planning healthy snacks a priority! If you are a mom who works full time, I’m sure this story sounds familiar. But with these easy healthy after school snack ideas, you can get yourself and your child back on the right track.
Eat the colors of the rainbow – This is a cute little song that promotes healthy eating from a well know children’s television program. I pack baby carrots and broccoli in small zip lock bags and remind my daughter about eating the colors of the rainbow. She sings the song and keeps track of the colors now. I’m still working on getting her to eat a variety of vegetables but this is definitely a step in the right direction. I also cut apples into wedges, orange slices, cucumbers and cherry tomatoes and put them into zip lock bags as well. These make great healthy snacks for toddlers and adults.
Healthy Dairy Snacks – My little one is not a fan of milk but she will eat cheese sticks and yogurt in the plastic strips. Since we have a long commute, I keep these snacks, along with the fruit, in a thermal container so they will stay cool.
Ready to Go Healthy Snacks – Teddy Grahams, graham crackers, animal crackers, raisins, popcorn and Goldfish crackers have always been a hit with my daughter. I usually pack these items in small colorful containers or a zip lock bag.
Snack Healthy Sandwiches – Peanut butter and jelly or turkey on whole wheat slices of bread cut into four squares packed in a colorful container. (The zip lock bag doesn’t work for me here!)
If you have to make it fast…One night per week, we eat out. I stick to the light side of the menu but I let my daughter order what she wants from the kids menu. It’s important to keep everything in moderation and give children the opportunity to make their own choices.
Finally, planning is the key to healthy eating and smart snacking. Start by making small changes and be flexible. Rome wasn’t built in a day! Remember you are your child’s greatest influence and healthy eating habits can soon be just that – a habit! It’s never too late. So let’s get it started!
