Glamaour Era December edition Glamaour Era december edition | Page 9
Whether they're in a club or after-school program, play on a sports
team or go straight home, when the school day is done, all children
have something in common - they could use a good snack!
Children need healthy fuel after school, but often can be picky about
what they'll reach for. Parents can struggle to nd snacks that are
portable and provide the protein and nutrition kids need, plus deliver
on the avor and fun factor that will ensure their kids eat the snack
instead of tossing it in the trash.
Hungry for snack ideas? Here are some tips for choosing snacks that
parents can feel good about to help keep your kids going when the
school day ends:
* Pack in protein - Protein is a vital component of a balanced diet,
especially for the developing bodies of young children. Choosing a
high-protein snack can also help children avoid the energy crash that
occurs after consuming sugary snacks. Look for protein-rich snacks
like Nature Valley Protein Chewy Bars, which offer 10 grams of protein
and are available in kid-friendly avors like Peanut Butter Dark
Chocolate and Salted Caramel Nut.
* Whole grains are great - Whole grains offer a host of healthful
nutrients, including B vitamins, minerals, protein and antioxidants,
according to HealthLine. Children can get whole grains from many
sources, including whole-grain breads, but cereal can be a very kid-
friendly option for whole-grain goodness. Create your own small treat
bags of cereal for on-the-go snacks. Options like Cheerios are made
from whole grain oats, so they pack 24 grams of whole grain per
serving - about half of the recommended daily allowance.
* Drink up, drink wisely - At the end of the day, kids thirst for something to
go with their snack. Before letting kids reach for a juice or sports drink,
remind them that water is the best beverage for everyone, regardless of what
they do after school. Nothing hydrates like H2O, but if your child doesn't like
the taste of plain water, you can nd many sugar-free, lightly and naturally
avored waters to tempt their taste buds.
* Calcium is key - Young bones do a lot of growing, and calcium is essential
for bone growth. Children can benet from snacks rich in calcium - which
are, coincidentally, often also rich in protein - such as cheese and yogurt.
String cheese or yogurt variations like E-Z open Go-Gurt are calcium- and
protein-rich snacks that are also kid friendly, and easy to enjoy on the go
during the busy school year. Put a frozen Go-Gurt in your kid's backpack in
the morning and it will stay cold until after-school soccer practice.
Numerous studies show after-school activities benet kids physically,
mentally and socially. Choosing the right after-school snacks can help
ensure kids get the most enjoyment and nutritional benets after the school
bell rings.