Q: My kids are now old enough this year to be home alone after school.

They are big on after school snacks. I want to give them options they will enjoy, but I don’t know if they will stick with them. What can I do to provide healthy snacks for my kids they will actually eat?

 

A: We all know kids are particular about their after school snacks. Here are some familiar after school snacks that will not only satisfy any kids cravings, but parents will enjoy the fact that these are balanced treats. For creative kids, there are several cookbooks with kid tested, parent approved after school recipes that won’t ruin a good appetite for dinner.

 

·        Trail mix is a sweet and salty treat most kids will like. Parents will like the mixture of nuts, dried fruit, and cereal. Keep a large bag of this treat in a dark, cool place to keep fresh. You can also pre-portion a few bags to make snack time easier.

 

·        Chex Mix is a great alternative to potato chips. It’s full of texture and has a great flavor. You can also add miniature pretzels, rye toast, or bran flakes for added fiber.

 

·        100 calorie packs are a great way to give your kids the treats they love without going overboard. There are several varieties available at your local grocery store.

 

·        Mini bagel pizzas are an easy snack that lets kids be creative with various pizza topping and sauce. Have pizza sauce, ham, cheese, turkey, or ground beef already prepared. Let them arrange their pizza, then cook in the microwave for 30 seconds or until the cheese melts and the meat is warm.