Raising healthy kids starts at home with healthy eating. That’s why Completely Kids Richmond is always searching for information and tips to help parents encourage healthier eating.

If you have kids in school, you know that they often come home hungry and ready to eat. You want to prepare snacks without ruining their dinner and that will help them feel full and energetic.

It’s not surprising that most are hungry after school. Many kids eat lunch early — 11:30 or even before. They may have after-school activities and when they head home, the hunger pains begin to growl. Kids naturally reach for the first thing they see that looks good. And if you keep candy, cookies, and other high-sugar foods close at hand, that’s where their hands will go!

So how can you help manage after-school snacks that are healthy and nutritious – and that kids want to eat? Here are some helpful tips:

• Make snacks fun – instead of placing a whole apple in front of them, cut it up in very thin slices and put it on a plate with a tablespoon of peanut butter. Or serve celery sticks with peanut butter.
• Or, cut up apples in very thin slices. Pour a mixture of fresh squeezed lime and orange juice over them and refrigerate for about 30-60 minutes. It’s a real treat!
• Cut fruit and cheese into different shapes and put them on skewers.
• Make healthy, homemade banana bread or apple walnut muffins for a delicious snack.
• Mix a variety of cereals in a paper cupcake holder, and toss in some raisins,  craisins, and/or nuts.
• Grilled cheese sandwiches cut into triangles make the perfect snack!
• Create a delicious smoothie using seasonal fruit.
• A small serving of whole wheat pasta with marinara and cheese won’t spoil their dinner – pasta gives kids a quick energy boost!
• Add fresh fruit to a small bowl of yogurt.
• Make a turkey/cheese/spinach wrap.
• Hummus dip and small bites of fresh veggies are satisfying and delicious.
• A bowl of cereal and milk is quick and easy.
• Pour a sparkling glass of seltzer water mixed with fresh juice.
• Pop some delicious popcorn – who can resist?
• If all else fails – Offer a choice of two healthy snacks so kids have some control over what they eat.

Think outside the typical snack foods and consider something new and different. Kids like variety and it encourages them to try new foods. Healthy nutrition starts at home – and parents are in the perfect position to mentor healthy eating!