Courtney’s Kitchen: Easy ways to build better after-school snacks

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.