Keys to The Healthy Afternoon Snack

I always imagined I'd excel at the after school snack - kids tumbling into the house, dropping their backpacks on the floor as I stand behind the kitchen counter (NOTE: not sure who I thought would be picking up said kids??) with a well-balanced, attractive and nutritious snack that they would climb up on the counter stools and gobble down while recounting their day to me. Keep dreaming...instead of afternoon bliss, our after-school routine looks a lot more like me trudging in the door like an overloaded donkey carrying all their school gear while they make a beeline for the pantry and fridge and just start grabbing. My dreams of slaying the after school snack game quickly took a turn into one of my least favorite times of the day.

When I do have my wits about me though and manage to prepare a thoughtful snack, I pay attention several things:

Protein - I always start my snack quest looking for the source of protein and then add from there. Protein is a key nutrient for kids growth and development (both physically and mentally) as well as keeping their tummies full, so I always aim to have a protein source in each meal and snack. Some of our favorites include nut butters, yogurt, eggs, organic deli meats and cheeses, and nuts and seeds.

Food Groups - studies have shown that snacks that involve more than one food group are more satisfying for kids. The variety lends itself not only to greater health benefits but also to added interest into what’s being presented.

Variety - It’s easy to become bored of a food and in my experience, this is when kids decide their “very best, most favorite food” is now “ disgusting.” By changing up the foods being offered, you can avoid food burnout and boredom.

Fresh Is Best - Now listen, there’s no passing judgement here - I definitely have those days where I’m throwing the kids a bag of Veggie Straws into the back seat so they I don’t have to listen to them whine. BUT I try for a fresh snack with unprocessed foods most of the time. A snack should be a mini meal and not take away from actual meal time and as is the case with adults as well, it’s easy to overdo it on processed snacks and not be hungry for your actual meal. I’ve seen plenty of kids overdo it on Pirate’s Booty but I’ve yet to see one eat so many carrot sticks they can’t possibly eat a bite of dinner…just saying.

The One Where The Baby Refuses To Nap

For years (even after I discovered I loved to cook), I struggled to get dinner on the table when my day got out of whack for any reason…but mainly, kids. As obvious as it may sound, to get out of that nasty cycle of ordering take out or going out every time something got me off my intended schedule, I started stocking my freezer. “With what?” you ask? With quick-cook proteins. My favorites are organic boneless, skinless chicken thighs and chicken sausages. I love these in particular because they thaw and cook relatively quickly and you don’t need to marinate or season them extravagantly for dinner to taste amazing. Yesterday was one of those days…the baby (is it even fair to call Camille a baby anymore? Pretty sure, no, but whatever) would. not. take. a. nap. and so my beautiful plans for trying out a new recipe were completely foiled. BUT - surprise! We still ate dinner (at home) last night! Call that a win.

Here’s the secret - now, when I realize things aren’t going my way, I grab a package of frozen chicken from the freezer and get it thawing then reach for whatever veggies are available in the fridge. I give those a chop, toss them in some olive oil and salt and pepper and place them around the chicken on the sheet pan. For thighs, I like to drizzle on some avocado oil, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning or TJ’s 21 Seasoning Salute. Into a 400F oven for 20-25 minutes (or until 165F internal temp) and voila! Dinner is served and baby’s no longer stealing your vibes.