365 days of tall tales & tidbits!

After a long, grueling day of spelling tests, math problems, science experiments, and history lessons, you finally make it home...

You are starving!

In reality, you probably are not starving, but you are definitely hungry.

School is a lot of work!

Your brain is getting bigger and smarter by the minute. Your body is growing too! So, there’s no question your tummy is growling,

“Feed meeeee!”

It’s still a few hours until dinner, so a bunch of food right after school is usually not an option. A sugar-filled, fatty snack is not an especially good option either.

To the rescue…farm markets! The place where all good things that have been grown are sold!

Most communities have access to a farm market or several. So, it should be pretty easy to find one that is close to you. Farm markets are bursting to the seams with healthy snack options!

We have put together a list of good, healthy snacks to grab when you walk through the door and the end of your school day. These options are so simple, it’s crazy! Here are some of the basics to help you with that after school snack attack…

Fruit…

Yes, fruit. It is the easiest and quickest thing you can grab that will satisfy any kind of sweetness your tongue wants to taste. Fruit abounds at farm markets too!

Depending on the area of the country you live, you will find just about any kind of fruit imaginable. Apples, pears, and berries are my favorite finds at farm markets.

Oranges are also fantastic fruits to have on hand for those after school snack attacks.

The best way to keep fruit on hand is to wash it when you bring it home and put the fruit in a bowl before leaving it on your kitchen counter for easy access.

There is one warning though: when fruit has been pre-washed, it disappears very quickly.

Vegetables…

Of course! A farm market wouldn’t be a farm market without vegetables. August is the best time of year to find a huge variety of vegetables at your local farm market.

Baskets and tables overflow with these nutritious goodies that come in almost every shape and size. And, when it comes to those after school snack attacks, the best options are simply carrots and celery.

Washed and cut into small pieces, carrots and celery are dynamite on their own.

But, they are extra good when dipped in just a little ranch dressing or dip made with Greek yogurt.

Cheese...

Many people have taken up the art of making their own homemade cheese. It is not a terribly difficult task and the rewards are out of this world! Cheese makes a wonderful after school snack because the protein in cheese helps you feel satisfied and full.

If you put sliced cheese on apples and pears, you get an extra dose of satisfaction because of all the fiber in fruit!

Peanut Butter...

Like cheese, more and more people are learning how to make peanut butter at home. Organic peanut butter or almond butter can be found at many farm markets. If your farm market doesn’t have any organic peanut or almost butter, your local grocery store definitely carries some.

Peanut butter smeared on apple and pear slices or spread on celery sticks is the best!

Homemade Trail Mix...

There may not be anybody at your farm market selling pre-packaged, homemade trail mix, but it is something you and your family can easily toss together.

All you need is raisins and other dried fruits, add in some nuts or seeds, and voila…trail mix!

Trail mix is sure to delight your taste buds because of the crunchy, salty, and sweet flavor it naturally has. I love to bring trail mix along in the car too.

Trail mix is not low in calories, but it is high in healthy antioxidants and other “good for you” nutrients!

A Few Other Things...

A few other things that will help you fight those after school snack attacks are string cheese, yogurt tubes, and fruit cups packed in juice.

While not necessarily available at farm markets, these foods make it a little easier for you to eat healthy and feel satisfied.

With a little preparation and planning, healthy and nourishing after school snacks are possible. And, these snacks aren’t going to break the bank or ruin your dinner!

Bon Appetite!