When my kids were younger, after-school snacks served largely as a reward for making it through the school day. Now that they are a bit older, what they eat after school and before their after-school activities provides necessary fuel to keep them going strong through dinnertime.

I know that without major kid appeal, my boys won’t eat enough snacks to fuel their afternoon activities. So I look for a balance of protein, carbs and other nutrients — even with the sweeter snacks I serve. Which means I try to avoid the cupcakes, cookies, and sugary snack bars.

If you want some great ideas that meet all of my standards and are kid-pleasers in my home, check out my post on Cool Mom Eats featuring 5 low sugar after-school snack ideas that I bet your kids will love too. Even those kids with an insatiable sweet tooth.

(I feel you, there!)