When your teenager comes home, complaining
that they’re starving and that they just might die if they
have to wait until dinner to eat, then it’s time to figure out some healthy,
filling snacks that will keep them quiet—if only so you don’t have to hear them
complain.
A good afterschool snack for a teenager is
not only nutritious but also filling—and easy, because who has time to cook all
day just for a snack? While it should have a fruit or vegetable component, pair
it with an item that seems a little more like a treat.
You don’t want it to be full of sugar or
saturated fat, but giving a teen plain baby carrots probably won’t go over
well. Try out some of these combinations that combine healthy fats, lean
proteins or whole grains with fresh fruits and vegetables for a winning
afterschool snack!
BYO:
Blend Your Own
When you mix up the right ingredients, a smoothie can
be just the right snack for the mid-afternoon.
For a low-calorie smoothie, mix 1 cup green
leafy vegetables, such as spinach or kale, a half-cup of fruit, like a banana
or berries and enough water to easily blend. For a little extra sweetness, add
a drizzle of honey or maple syrup. If you want some extra protein, add a
half-cup of vanilla Greek yogurt or cottage cheese.
Do
the Dip
If there’s a snack everyone loves, it’s a
hearty dip. If your teen prefers carbs after school, give him a bowl full of
whole-grain crackers, Provitas or pretzels. If you can get away with it, add in
a few sticks of celery, cucumber and baby carrots.
Pair it with spicy mustard or hummus. If
you have time, try avocado-yogurt dip with cumin. Blend fat-free yogurt with
onion, jalapeno, cilantro, ground cumin and three avocados. Add a couple
tablespoons of fresh lime juice, a garlic clove and salt and pepper to taste.
Pop
It Out
Popcorn is filling, tasty and surprisingly
low in calories—3 cups has less than 100 calories!
To give it a little extra flavour, sprinkle
on some cheese, nutritional yeast or even some extra-virgin olive oil for a
little extra healthy fat. Some other toppings you might not think of: chili
powder, cinnamon, paprika or salt and vinegar. Pair it with a piece of fresh
fruit for a little extra nutrition.
Feeling
Frosty
When that afternoon sun is blasting down,
and everyone is dripping with sweat, pull a snack out of the freezer that
everyone can enjoy. Skip the sugary ice creams—those are better suited for
little kids.
Instead, freeze fresh fruit. Grapes and blueberries do
particularly well in the freezer, and you can dip banana slices in dark
chocolate for a sweet snack.
Bakers
Dozen
If you have extra time on the weekend,
spend an hour or two baking healthy treats that your teen can munch on during
the week. Most teens love protein bars, but commercial options are full of
sugar and preservatives. Make you own protein bars by combining protein
powder with ingredients of your choice, such as peanut or almond butter, honey,
nuts, seeds or dried fruit.
With any luck, a healthy, filling snack
will stop your teen from incessantly questioning you when dinner will be ready.
Stock up on these snacks over the weekend, and let your teenager munch as they
see fit when they get home from school—no whining necessary.
At The Assisted Learning Centre in Fish Hoek, we provide students with only the best learning resources and most qualified teachers - Enroll at The Assisted Learning Centre today or contact ALC now for more information!
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