After a long day of school, kids have worked hard and deserve treats, but that doesn’t mean they should only snack on chips or candy. As a parent, you want to provide your children with healthy and balanced snacks that will energize them until dinner time. But are you running out of ideas that your kid will find delicious? Here are some tasty and macro-friendly after-school snack options that are perfect for busy kids and busy moms.
Sooo Good After-School Snacks That Are Also Good for Them!
Yogurt and Cottage Cheese Bowls
A yogurt and cottage cheese bowl is an excellent combination of essential nutrients that can provide energy and improve digestive health. All you need to do is assemble your favorite fruits in a glass, alternating layers of yogurt and cottage cheese or use one of my favorite recipes listed below. Greek yogurt is a great choice as it is higher in protein, but any low-fat yogurt will do. Add a drizzle of honey or granola on the top for an added crunch. I don’t want to spend a bunch of time putting together an after-school snack, and you can throw these bowls together in moments. This snack is perfect for kids on a hot day as it is refreshing, tasty, and nutritious.
1. Protein Packed Yogurt and Cottage Cheese Power Bowl
According to the calendar, summer’s not over until September 23rd. And summer means peaches, sweet, fresh-off-the-vine, peaches. Seize the moment while you can and slice that juicy fruit onto layers of Greek yogurt and low-fat cottage cheese for this Protein Packed Yogurt and Cottage Cheese Power Bowl. Add some diced apples, strawberries, and blueberries, then top it off with granola and your favorite nut butter. To get the job done, I always sprinkle cinnamon on top. Voila! You’ve got yourself a delicious, macro-friendly after-school snack. Just make sure the kids don’t eat too much of it so there’s no space for dinner!
2. Apple Crisp Yogurt and Cottage Cheese Bowl
Save those Honeycrisp apples for yourself, and let your kids leave Starbucks cards on their teachers’ desks instead this fall. My Apple Crisp Yogurt and Cottage Cheese Bowl is so apple crisp-like that it is frequently requested as an after-school snack at our house. It also works as an easy macro-friendly breakfast that could almost be confused with dessert. It’s low-carb and high in protein, and the apple and cinnamon flavor is delish with some chopped white chocolate chips on top. And, yes, it’s still good on your macros for the day!
3. Hummus and Veggie Sticks
Hummus dip with veggie sticks is another great snack option that is not only crunchy but also provides the body with fiber, vitamins A and C, as well as protein. You can buy store-bought hummus or learn to make it yourself to customize the flavors and ingredients to match your kid’s preferences. Cut up cucumber, carrots, bell peppers, and celery into small sticks to dip in the hummus. This will make for a filling and delicious after-school treat.
4. Parmesan Roasted Carrot Fries
These Parmesan Roasted Carrot Fries can get devoured fast after school. Sometimes, it’s even by the kids (kidding…not kidding). Sure, I might not have had to sit through Chemistry that day, but don’t I deserve some of those slightly spiced, Parmesan carrot fries matched with a light but satisfying Basil Yogurt Sauce? These are a great centerpiece whenever our kids gather around a table to get their homework done. I am so happy whenever the after-school snack I’ve selected helps give my kids their daily dose of veggies. These roasted carrot fries are so addictive that you’ll hardly remember that you’re also soaking in loads of vitamins and minerals.
Never miss a recipe! Sign up for our emails!
5. Microwave Brownie Zucchini Oats
Speaking of getting those veggies in (and therefore keeping things super macro-friendly), what if your kids could eat a salad’s worth of veggies in the guise of…a brownie? Meet Microwave Brownie Zucchini Oats. I am a little (well, maybe totally) obsessed with zucchini oats. I use them for a ton of recipes, and they pack a serious punch when it comes to protein. This after-school snack idea takes only a few minutes to prepare, and it’s fun and easy for kids to make themselves. Plus, kids love creating their snacks! This IS a macro-friendly snack. That’s part of what’s so great about a macro-balanced lifestyle: your family doesn’t have to avoid foods you love like chocolate!
6. Apple Slices with Nut Butter
Sometimes, it’s best to stick with the classics. Apples with almond butter make a fantastic combination and their combined protein and fiber keep kids feeling full longer. Cut the apples into slices and spread a generous amount of almond butter on each slice. Almond butter is a protein-rich and healthy alternative to peanut butter, which is high in fat and calories. If you have a child with a nut allergy, sunflower seed butter or Wow butter will work fabulously, too.
7. Smoothies
Healthy smoothies are a great way to pack in nutrients, and they can be an after-school snack or a complete meal replacement. Prepare your smoothie with plant-based milk, fruits, and some protein powder or nut butter. Blend until it reaches a smooth and creamy consistency. Smoothies are not only tasty and healthy but also customizable for your child’s tastes. So if you have a child going through a ‘picky’ phase (and my heart goes out to you), letting them call a lot of the shots about what goes into that blender will still ensure that they get an easy, macro-friendly after-school snack.
Some of my favorites are:
Healthy After-School Snacks Your Kids Will Look Forward To
Macro-friendly after-school snacks don’t have to be complicated or time-consuming to prepare. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create delicious and nutritious snacks that your kids will love. The above seven options are just a few examples of the many possible snacks you can serve to your little ones. Try experimenting with different fruits, veggies, dips, and spreads to keep your after-school snack routine exciting and fun. Ultimately, healthy eating habits start at home, and investing in the well-being of your children will pay off for years to come.
If you want to stay up to date on my latest creations, make sure you are hanging out with me on Instagram and TikTok. And check out my cookbooks! I have a planner that will coach you on how to count macros and plan macro-balanced meals. That really might be something you want to have in your back pocket as you start the new school year. Anything that makes life easier, right?
Disclosure: I only recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are my own. This post may contain affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission. Read the full privacy policy here.
