When the final bell rings announcing the end of a school day, if there is one thing that children look forward to, it is the snacks that await them when they get home. As schools begin in earnest following the holiday season, the task of preparing these delicious snacks peaks.
It is essential to prepare small bites which are high up there in their tastiness quotient, yet which are packed with fibre-rich nutrients that nourish the kids’ stomach after a day of study and play. As well, the snacks have to be filling enough to quell that after-school hunger pang but light enough that the children have enough room to eat a proper dinner. Striking that balance is made easy with some interesting fibre-rich small bites.
Apple And Peanut Butter Sandwich Bites
Instead of serving a big sandwich, cut the bread into small squares or circular-shaped discs as a snack-time sandwich bite. The filling inside can be made-up of fresh fruits like thin slivers of apple slices and a smattering of peanut butter. Apples bring the fibre content while peanut butter can energise the kids enough to ward off any post-school fatigue. Serve the small bites alongside a glass of milk as a very hearty snack that sustains the children through the homework hour.
Roasted Chickpeas
Crunchy, filling and utterly lipsmacking, roasted chickpeas are not only excellent sources of protein but they also have good fibre content which boosts digestion, when eaten in moderate amounts. That’s why roasted chickpeas seasoned with paprika, chaat masala or even black salt become the perfect post-school munchie. A small bowl full of roasted chickpeas can be savoured with a platter of fresh fruits like oranges and pears, as a mix of spicy and sweet flavours. Sprinkle a bit of fresh lime juice on the roasted chickpeas to brighten them with a tang.
Oats, Seeds And Dates Ladoo
Prepare a nourishing ladoo rich in fibre and sweetened simply with dates for a fibre boost. Oats and assorted seeds like flaxseeds and pumpkin seeds can be mixed into this ladoo rolled as a mixture of dates and ghee. The ladoo is extremely nourishing and filled with a lot of micronutrients required for overall growth. Two of these ladoos can be accompanied with a small cup of warm milk as a light after-school naturally sweet munchie.
Vegetable And Hummus Lettuce Roll-Ups
If homemade hummus is available readily in the fridge, prepare these healthy roll-ups as crunchy, light snacking alternatives after a strenuous school day with a gruelling sports period. The hunger pangs after an hour of swimming, skating, football or any other sport are all too real. Tackle them with a delicious roll-up comprising assorted veggies like carrots, cucumbers and red bell peppers. Wrap all veggies in crunchy lettuce lathered with hummus. Season them lightly with lemon juice, black salt and paprika for better flavour. Rich in fibre and utterly nourishing, the bright and vibrant veggie and hummus wraps are a colourful delight for kids.
Fruit And Yoghurt Parfait Cups
In winters, a lot of fruits are available in abundance in certain regions. Make the most of this seasonal bounty and add fibre-rich fruits that can be added to fresh yoghurt. Strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, pears and apples can all be layered in glasses or cups with thick yoghurt. Drizzle a bit of honey on the fruit cups for a sweet touch and some crushed granola for a nutty effect. Fruits will bring the fibre and yoghurt will act as an excellent probiotic to boost children’s gut health via a simple and nutritious after-school small bite.