After kicking off their sneakers in doorway and dropping their backpacks on a chair in the living room, the first thing my boys go for is the fridge or pantry for a snack. And while I can’t blame them (last year my son’s lunch was at 10:30) I also don’t want to ruin their dinner.
A well balanced, healthy snack can hold you and the kids over until dinner while keeping fueled for after school activities and homework.
The nutritionists at MARTIN’S came up with some great after school snacks with the right mix of protein, carbohydrates, fiber and healthy fats.
-A mini whole wheat bagel with a slice of low-fat cream cheese
-Small banana with peanut butter
-Apple slices and string cheese
-One hard boiled egg and a piece of fresh fruit
-1/4 cup of almonds and 5 dried apricots
-6oz of low fat yogurt and 1 cup of fresh strawberries
-Trail mix made with whole grain cereal, raisins, almonds, sunflower seeds and mini pretzels
– 1/3 cup of hummus and 1 cup of baby carrots
-Toasted English muffin drizzled with pizza sauce and sprinkled with part-skim mozzarella cheese and chopped vegetables
If back-to-school-everything is draining your wallet, fret not. Look for high quality foods at a great price with MARTIN’S Own Brand Foods (those marked with the MARTIN’S/GIANT logo). I’ve actually given up on coupons and only buy store brand for pretty much everything now it saves both time and money and the food tastes the same… sometimes better.
Of course, we can’t forget those family dinners… our local MARTIN’S Nutritionist, Caroline Roessler, MS, RDN offered some great tips on how to use meal planning to eat a balanced diet on a budget. If you want to know more about nutrition for you and your family, you can make an appointment with a MARTIN’S Nutritionist for basically free. I even tried it out for you.
For more healthy dinner ideas you can pick up a Savory magazine at the front of your MARTIN’S store and visit MARTIN’S online.
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