Sinfully Delicious and Deceptively Healthy After School Snacks for Kids

We all know that childhood obesity is becoming more and more of a problem in this country. If your kids come home from school ravenous for an after school snack, you can satisfy their hunger by giving them a variety of healthy snack options that won't pack on the pounds. Plus, these snacks taste so delicious, your kids will never know that it's actually good for them.

Here are some quick and healthy snack ideas for your hungry crew:

1. Make a healthy snack mix

Try mixing some dried fruit with several varieties of nuts to create a healthy and tasty snack mix that's perfect for the kid on the go. You can even add some low sugar cereal to the snack mix to make it more interesting. Kids love the variety of different tastes in this homemade snack mix.

2. Add a touch of peanut butter to a fresh apple

We all know kids need to eat more fruits and vegetables. To make a high protein, healthy snack, serve sliced fresh apples with a thin layer of peanut butter. This snack is filling and will earn rave reviews from your kids.

3. Kids love to dip

Make a low calorie dip using low fat cream cheese or sour cream. Add a bit of sugar free fruit jelly to make it sweet and delicious. Serve with whole grain crackers for a low calorie, heart healthy snack.

4. Another great way to turn fruit into a treat

Take fresh bananas and roll them into low fat chocolate syrup and nuts. Freeze them for several hours and you have a delicious natural popsicle that's sure to be popular among the younger set. (and even the adults in your house for that matter).

5. Serve cake that's calorie friendly

Instead of serving your child high calorie, high fat cake, give them a slice of angel food cake with some chocolate sprinkles and low fat whipped cream. Angel cake has less than half the calories and fat of most traditional cakes and tastes light and delicious.

6. Make your own popsicles