Great After School Snack Ideas for Healthy Eating Habits

Having healthy eating habits starts at home. That’s why Great Harvest of Newtonville, MA., put together this list of after-school snack ideas for the next time your child comes home hungry. 

Why Are Snacks Important?

Building healthy eating habits is essential for growing children. That’s why having a variety of foods at home, especially during growth spurts, is so important. A healthy snack should be filling and energizing; that’s why the best ones are a combination of protein and carbohydrates to make them filling and fuelling.  That being said, it can sometimes be challenging to stock your home with healthy and exciting snacks. Keep reading for a list of snack ideas to kickstart your family’s healthy snack habit.

For bread made every day with only the best ingredients, call Great Harvest Bread Co. at 617-928-1162, or take a look at their complete menu to order some delicious sandwiches!

Snacks with Nut Butter

Butters made out of nuts like almonds, cashew, and the classic peanut butter are excellent options for a healthy snack. These types of butter contain enough carbohydrates and protein to keep you full for a while and fuel your body. Pair it with some kind of fruit or vegetable like apples, celery, or bananas for a delicious after-school snack. Nut butter tip: Most kinds of nut butter can be made at home with only a few ingredients and are a great addition to a healthy diet.

Cheese and Almonds

If your type of snack includes cheese, pairing it with some almonds can make a great after-school snack. Cheese is a good source of calcium, and almonds are great for protein, fiber, and healthy fat. It’s also a convenient snack that won’t make much of a mess if spilled inside a moving vehicle. If it’s a particularly hot day, don’t forget to throw in some ice packs to keep your cheese fresh.

Sandwiches on Whole Wheat Bread

If it’s going to be a while between lunch and dinner, or even if you’re really hungry, a sandwich is a good option for a filling snack. For example, a hummus on whole wheat bread sandwich is an excellent fiber, carbohydrates, and protein source. Another option is to do a veggie sandwich with tomato, cucumbers, and zucchini slices as a fresher option. Or, if you’re craving something sweet, a peanut butter and jelly sandwich is always a good idea.

Great Harvest Bread Co. makes delicious bread and lunches daily in Newtonville, MA. Visit their website to take a look at their complete menu, or give them a call at 617-928-1162 to place an order today!

Hard-Boiled Eggs and an Apple

If you’re looking for a high-protein snack, a hard-boiled egg paired with an apple can give you a boost of protein, fiber, and energy. For reference, an apple is packed with as much energy as a cup of coffee, so it can be a great snack before hitting the gym or doing after school chores.

Granola Bars

Looking for a grab-and-go snack? Granola bars are an excellent choice as you can throw them in your bag or purse and have it on you in case you don’t have time to prepare a snack. Having a few granola bars on you can get you out of a pinch and prevent you from buying a less healthy snack. When buying granola bars, try to go for the ones with more protein and less sugar to help you feel full and avoid a sugar crash.

A Variety of Nuts and Seeds

Another option for loading up on healthy fats is having a variety of seeds and nuts. These are easy to transport in a baggie and don’t make much of a mess if eaten in the car or while around town as an after-school snack. Some seeds and nuts you could pack are pumpkin seeds, walnuts, almonds, and any other that you like.

Dried Fruit

Lastly, dried fruit is also a great energy booster as fruit like dried raisins and cranberries pack enough sugar for those times when you’re dozing off. They’re also a suitable replacement for other sugary foods. Mix some nuts, seeds, and dried fruit for a complete snack.

We hope these after-school snack ideas help you kick into gear your healthy snack habit. If you’re looking for the best bread in Newtonville, MA, visit Great Harvest Bread Co., where they bake fresh bread daily with the best ingredients. If you’re looking for lunch options, check out their complete lunch menu and place your order at 617-928-1162 today!