Quick Healthy Snacks

With school starting soon, I'm already thinking of quick, kid-friendly, healthy snacks.  It's so easy to just buy pre-packaged snacks, but with a little planning, you can make sure your kids are getting healthy snacks during and after school.


Here are some quick healthy snack ideas:

• fresh fruit (berries, apples, grapes, bananas, cut-up melon)
• nuts and seeds (spiced almonds, toasted sunflower seeds)
• dried fruit (apricots, mango, raisins)
• carrot sticks, celery sticks and cherry tomatoes with hummus
• "ants on a log" (celery sticks w/ nut butter and raisins)
• whole grain bread or toast with nut butter and sliced bananas
• salsa and guacamole with baked tortilla chips
• popcorn with seasoning of your choice (chili seasoning is a favorite)

These healthy snacks require a little bit more work, but are worth the extra effort:

• black bean salsa with whole wheat pita chips or baked tortilla chips
• homemade granola bars
• miso soup (instant mixes are now found in most supermarkets, but check the ingredients for make sure there are no additives)
• quesadilla (see recipe below)
• pizza quesadilla  
• fruit smoothie
• banana bread or zucchini bread

Refried Bean Quesadillas

1 can Vegetarian Refried Beans (Trader Joe's or Amy's makes healthier versions)
4 corn or whole grain tortillas
1 1/2 cups low-fat Mexican Blend or sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Guacamole (optional)

Salsa (optional)
non-fat Greek yogurt or low-fat sour cream (optional)

Spread refried beans on one-half of tortilla.  Sprinkle cheese on top of beans.

Fold over each tortilla and cook over medium heat until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is lightly browned, about 2 minutes; turn over and cook 2 more minutes.

Serve with guacamole, salsa and Greek yogurt, if desired.