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 grain oats , so they pack 24 grams of whole grain per serving - about half of the recommended daily allowance .
* Whole grains are great - Whole grains offer a host of healthful nutrients , including B v i t a m i n s , m i n e r a l s , p r o t e i n a n d 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
* 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 bene�t 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 bene�t kids physically , mentally and socially . Choosing the right after-school snacks can help ensure kids get the most enjoyment and nutritional bene�ts after the school bell rings .