Nutritionist on Arizona Midday: After-School Snacks

by Michelle Dudash, Chef and Registered Dietitian Nutritionist

August 13, 2012 • 0 comments

Reported by Megan Hall

Now that August is upon us, it’s time to start thinking about going back to school. But it’s not just about notebooks and pencils—why not find some new ideas for after-school snacks? Providing a healthy snack after school is a great way to bridge the gap between lunch and dinner.

Serving snacks with a fun presentation is key to getting kids to eat what’s good for them. These are some favorites:

• Fresh fruit and cheese fries: Fresh fruit (e.g. apples, cantaloupe, or pineapple) and reduced-fat mozzarella and cheddar cheese sticks served in a paper cone. (Credit: Leprino Foods)
• California avocado nacho boats: Cut an avocado in halves or thirds, score with a knife, and let your kids fill with their choice of salsa, low-fat sour cream, and cheese. Serve with baked whole-grain tortilla chips. More of Michelle’s California avocado healthy snacking tips and recipes.
• Cheese faces: Slice cheese circles and small pieces of veggies for kids to make a face.

Easily portable snacks are also key for easy eating on the way to piano lessons or soccer practice. Try these:

• PB & J bento box: Brown rice sesame crackers, peanut butter, jelly, and freeze-dried apple and banana slices with no added sugar. (Credit: Target)
• All-Natural Quinn Microwave Popcorn
• Kashi Chocolate Soft-Baked Squares
• Build-their-own trail mix: Set out jars of ingredients with spoons and they can add to a snack bag or container: pretzel rods, dried fruit, mini chocolate chips, whole-wheat Chex cereal, nuts, seeds, sesame sticks, etc.
• Energy balls

Disclosures: Michelle works closely with the California Avocado Commission. Michelle received free samples of Quinn Popcorn and Kashi Soft-Baked Squares.

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