For those of us in the southern hemisphere we are well into term 3 of school, and for those in the northern hemisphere it’s time to start a new school year. Recently the boys have been coming home from school ravenous. Knowing dinner isn’t far away I’m reluctant to give them snacks that are too filling but there’s no way they will last until dinner hour without something. The lovely Jennifer from Beautifully Alive has come to my aid and put together a list of quick snacks that will keep everyone happy!

It’s that time of year again – the temperatures are warming up. Spring is in the air, and most importantly, the kids are more active than ever! This means a few changes for you, but even more so for your children. To get back into high gear, they’re likely needing to get back on a good sleeping and eating schedule. It’s quite a lot when you think about it, really, and we all just want the best for our children – and with you by their side, they’ll have it!

That’s why we’ve compiled a list of quick, easy, cheap, and healthy after-school snack options to get their year started, and to keep your hands free and your mind at ease. And each option is truly a win-win, because they’ll love the delicious food combinations you offer them, and you’ll love knowing they’re getting that boost they need to fight the after-school slump and power through homework and other evening activities. And did we mention that each one only takes a few minutes to prepare? So read on below right now, and snack on with your kids once they’re home later!

Fruit Salad

Not only is it easy and cost-effective, especially as we leave the winter season behind, this snack option is particularly great for young athletes, since the fresh fruit juices will keep them hydrated, and the natural sugars will give them a solid energy boost. Plus, who doesn’t love a good fruit medley? Mix up your snack time with a traditional (apples, bananas, grapes and berries) or tropical (pineapples, mangoes and melons) variety of fruit – whichever they prefer, since it’s all so good for them (and you)!

Pretzel Sticks and Organic Peanut Butter

This snack is great for younger hands that like to be active – you can simply spoon the peanut butter into a bowl, and let them dip to their heart’s content! Choosing organic peanut butter saves you from worrying about all those added preservatives and emulsifiers that regular options contain. The protein in the peanut butter will get them through homework and play time, and will sustain them until dinner. For a health boost, make the pretzels whole grain and the peanut butter low or non-fat. And for a happiness boost, sprinkle in some mini, semi-sweet chocolate chips!

Goat Cheese on Whole Grain Crackers

Stay with me on this one – I promise they’ll like it! Just look for the variety of soft, spreadable goat cheese at your local grocery store. There’s usually an option that is infused with grape or strawberry jam. A sweet spread of goat cheese atop salty whole-grain crackers will give them a crunchy, filling snack and a lovely dose of probiotics to boot (which kids usually miss out on, since they tend to prefer sugary, processed dairy products instead). Goat cheese truly is an acquired taste, even for adults, so ease them into this one – even if they don’t get excited right away, they’ll learn to love it over time!

Cereal or Oatmeal (with toppings)

This one is truly the easiest of them all – just choose whole grain, sugar-free cereal or oatmeal, depending on the weather outside. Cereal with cold, low-fat milk and topped with frozen fruit (blueberries, raspberries, strawberries and sliced bananas are all a great choice) will keep them cool, and warm oatmeal with cinnamon or honey will warm them up while still packing a nutritious punch. Serving these breakfast items is also a great choice if you are ever planning to serve breakfast for dinner – it’s like a little appetiser before the main course!

Frozen Greek Yogurt

You certainly can’t go wrong with anything that looks like ice cream! Whether you buy it plain or fruity, this is another snack filled with wonderful probiotics that you and your kids will happily scarf down after the school day is done. For added sweetness and texture, top with crumbled granola, drizzled honey, frozen berries or low-fat cream. And as an added bonus, this snack is solid enough to keep them going, but still won’t fill them up before dinner!

So, which snack option is the favourite in your household? It doesn’t really matter, as long as you and your kids are happy, healthy, and energetically replenished!

Jennifer is the beauty and brains behind Beautifully Alive. She loves eating healthy and
trying new recipes. The self-proclaimed Zumba Queen has a passion for beauty products
and loves reading new books, and is always down for a DIY project!