Kids are normally ravenous when they come off the bus and running through the door in the afternoon. Satisfying their appetites without serving junk and spoiling dinner can be a challenge. But you don't have to get fancy or expensive when it comes to unique, tasty and healthful noshes.{relatedarticles}Sometimes the simplest snacks will satisfy. Keep a bowl of washed fruit out in the kitchen for the kids to grab a piece of "nature's candy." Try freezing grapes when it's hot to offer a cool treat. Supplement with some baked chips, pretzels or a 100-calorie pack of their favorite snacks and a glass of milk or water, and you've got a quick, easy bite that will last them until dinner. Keep cut-up, crunchy vegetables like carrots, celery and peppers in a container filled with water and refrigerate for a quick snack or lunchbox addition.
Add store-bought hummus or peanut butter for a quick dip and to supplement protein. Avoid soda and add some jazz to their drinks by offering seltzer water. Pour various fruit juices into an ice-cube tray and freeze, then add them to the seltzer to give kids a fizzy, fruity drink without all the sugar of soda.{relatedarticles}Or simply add a splash of that juice to flavor the seltzer. String cheese and squeezable yogurt make great high-protein snacks. Fresh, plain, air-popped popcorn can be stored in an airtight container for several days. Allow kids to season as they like each day with garlic powder, parmesan cheese, or cinnamon sugar for a sweet treat. Prepackage pantry treats so that kids can help themselves, and do the same for the refrigerated snacks. It helps you monitor portion sizes and allows the kids to exercise their freedom of choice!