After School Snacking

That time between coming home and dinner always proves to be a problem for kids. They're starving from a long afternoon? A part time job or sport has left them drained and hungry. Dinner wo;'t be ready til six thirty or even seven. What to do?

Snack sensibly.

The kids don't have to go wild with Hostess cupcakes or with a bag of chips. Have food that will give them a boost, fill their tummies and keep the weight off. Veggies are always a good choice. have a container of cut up broccoli, carrots, cauliflower and grape tomatoes ready for dipping. As for dipping sauces a really heart healthy one is olive oil liberally laced with hot pepper flakes. If your kids are into spicy they could some cracked pepper too. Plain yogurt mixed with curry or cumin is another good dip.

Sweets are almost always the preferred snack of choice. However cookies and candy may not be the best choice. if your young'uns do want sugary then slice up an apple and pear and serve with a caramel sauce (Marzetti's brand is good)A hot sweet snack is a microwaved baked apple with cinnamon and apple juice. They can be served with a side of zero calorie Cool Whip. Frozen grapes are another fun snack. Freeze them that morning and then have the kids eat them at four or five PM/. Fruit smoothies are filling and tasty. They're easy to make and the older kids will appreciate them.
Also have some healthy granola bars to stave off any hunger.

After school snacking doesn't have to be unhealthy and fattening. Your kids will love a heart healthy , tasty snack to get them through to dinner time.