Let’s start at the beginning. Anything with a “101” in it refers to the fact that the information being presented is essential in order to graduate to the next level. Most people do not know the importance of snacking and this 101-crash course is here to help you become as knowledgeable as possible.

First off, snacks are not the enemy, they are actually beneficial when eaten in the right amounts and the correct kinds of them are consumed. Foods such as vegetables and hummus, popcorn, nuts, fruits, cottage cheese and avocado make for great healthy bites. It is not only important for adults to have healthy light meals throughout the day but it’s also important for kids to have that as well.

Getting your kids to eat healthy snacks is one of the biggest challenges; they will probably think it “tastes funny” or “looks gross”. However, this is not only a great way to get missing nutrients into your kids bodies but it helps them from overeating at mealtimes and fill in their hunger gaps throughout the day. This is a perfect way for them to get extra sources of minerals, vitamin, protein and fiber.

Now the tricky part is getting your kids to eat these healthy snacks because let’s be honest, what kid wants to eat carrots and hummus?! One of the best ways to get your kids to eat is to make it fun! Be creative and add chocolate or come up with a clever name for it, if you make it kid friendly, they will be more likely to try it.

Coming up with ways to make these fun can be a challenge especially if you do not have time to spend on creating kid friendly snacks. One of the best ways to do this is to check out Pinterest; they have great ideas that are simple, fast and fun.

One of my favorite kid friendly snacks is “ants on a log”, it’s a very basic and well-known recipe that is easy to make. The great thing about this is that the log (celery) is so versatile you can switch up what you put inside it, cream cheese is a great alternative for peanut butter but if you are trying to stay on the super healthy side fill the log with cottage cheese! As for the “ants”, they can be switched up as well; from chocolate chips to raisins to small pieces of bell pepper the “ants” have endless options.

Here is a sweeter option that kids will love because they are eating chocolate!

Ants on a Log

Ingredients:

3 celery stalks

Cream cheese

Chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Wash the celery and cut the pieces in half.
2. Grab a butter knife and spread the cream cheese onto the celery.
3. Place some chocolate chips on top!

*Again for a super healthy version replace the cream cheese with hummus and the chocolate chips with small pieces of bell pepper.

*Click on the link or the photos to get access to 50 healthy snack ideas!

The post Snacking 101 appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

School is almost out for the day and soon your kids will be barreling in through the door. Are you prepared to greet them with warm, home-made chocolate chip cookies and milk in hand? Many kids are picky eaters and willing to starve themselves while in school (after all, school lunches leave much to be desired).

So when the kids walk through the door after a long day of school tired and hungry, all they really want is a little bit of love and something to fill their tummies. In order to have a little after school treat ready for them it takes a little bit of advanced planning and organization, but can be relatively simple. Here are some of the ideas and shortcuts:

1. Homemade Cookies Made Ahead & Frozen. Make a double recipe of chocolate chip cookie dough and/or practically any other cookie dough, like peanut butter cookies, oatmeal cookies, etc. and freeze the raw dough in logs wrapped in baking paper. Then simply unwrap the dough and defrost it for about 10 minutes or so. With a sharp knife cut slices, pop it on a cookie sheet and in the oven and you’ll have freshly baked cookies in minutes, minus the mess.

2. Fruit Shakes, Milk Shakes or Razzles. These are easy to whip up and always appreciated. All you need is a combination of frozen fruits, ice cubes and ice cream or milk. Add to a blender and you’re good to go. There are always new combinations to try which makes this fun, exciting, refreshing and filling.

3. Mug Cake. Making a cake in a mug is another great option. There are lots of these great recipes out there which you can you can easily do. With just a few ingredients tossed into a mug, you can “bake” a cake in the microwave and have it ready in a flash. Fast & yummy!

4. Healthy and Fun “Fruit Kabobs”. Using fruits that you already have available, like melon, strawberries, pineapple or grapes, and stack them on a skewer in a pattern. Healthy, fresh and fun!

So, try these out. You will see that it’s a win-win! And, do me a favor, please, if you have any simple and yummy treats, please share them with me. I’m always looking for fresh, new ideas. I’d love to hear from you and so would my little guys.

Julie McCaffrey

About Julie McCaffrey, Pish Posh Baby

Parenting expert Julie McCaffrey is a proud mommy to 3 kids and owns BabyNav Baby Planners where she offers personalized consultation to new and expecting parents along with functioning as the Chief Brand Officer at PishPoshBaby.com—the high-quality baby store that supplies the facts and advice, along with the right choice, to parents who are completely lost in the whirlwind of baby gear. She loves to help moms and dads navigate everything from baby gear, preparing for multiples, getting back to work and getting the whole family on a routine.

The post After School Snacks: A Little Love and a Little Nourishment appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.