SHREVEPORT, La. — After a long day at school, many children are ready for a snack.Registered dietitian and KTBS contributor Courtney Butts says parents don't have to eliminate their children's favorite foods to create a more balanced option.Instead, Butts recommends adding nutritious foods that provide protein, healthy fats, and additional nutrients to help keep kids satisfied until mealtime.“The goal isn't to make every snack perfect,” Butts said. “It's to think about what you can add to the foods that your child already enjoys.”For sweet snacks like Oreos or M&M's, Butts suggests pairing them with Greek yogurt for added protein and healthy fat. Savory snacks can also be balanced with simple additions, such as cheese, fruit, hummus, or yogurt. Examples include pairing Doritos with cheese and grapes, Cheez-Its with string cheese and berries, or pretzels with hummus and fruit.Butts also shared a make-ahead recipe for banana chocolate chip muffins made with a protein pancake or muffin mix, banana, egg, milk, butter, and mini chocolate chips. The muffins can be prepared in advance and paired with milk or Greek yogurt for an easy after-school snack.She says the key is focusing on what can be added to make snacks more filling and nutritious while still including foods children enjoy.
This easy, all-in-one Sheet Pan Chicken and Little Potatoes recipe is ideal for busy weeknights as a balanced, flavorful meal that requires just 10 minutes of prep and minimal cleanup. If you're in search of a simple side dish that can accompany a variety of family favorites, these flavor-filled Ranch Green Beans and Little Potatoes with Bacon are a great fit for a backyard barbecue or casual evening with your nearest and dearest.
When it comes to planning lunches and dinners on busy school days, simplicity is the name of the game. Parents who are already juggling carpools, practices, errands and homework don't need anything extra added to their plates while they're trying to get food onto everyone else's. Make it easy for your loved ones with these registered dietitian-approved meal ideas packed with the nutrition to keep your family fueled all day.
Your brain works hard for you, so it's only fair to return the favor by practicing simple everyday habits to keep this important organ strong and thriving. Start by tweaking your daily routine to focus on these four habits and eating nourishing recipes like California Grape and Sardine Avocado Toast.
