Yellow school buses, a crispness in the air and jackets dug out of the closet: it’s back to school time! Families across the state are getting back into their school routines and are looking for easy, nutritious and quick ways to get kids to eat breakfast, lunch and after school snacks.
How are you fueling your kids for a day of learning and after-school activities? Including dairy foods in their daily diets helps to ensure kids are getting key nutrients like calcium, protein and vitamin D. Dairy foods will help keep kids feeling full, satisfied and energized!
Try these dairy inspired treats, which are both nutritious and delicious and will help your kids grow and learn
Quick (and nutritious) breakfast:
Overnight oats made with milk – top with fresh berries and a handful of nuts
Mega Cheese Muffins – a nutritious breakfast muffin with cheese and eggs. It’s also portable!
Glass of milk – our favorite way to start (or end!) the day – a simple, cold glass of milk. It’s nutrient-dense, delicious and full of protein!
Great lunches:
Cheese stick – add a cheese stick to your kid’s lunchbox to add excitement and nutrition.
Yogurt – try freezing the kind in tubes. It will be the perfect cold temperature when lunch starts! Or, add a few heaping tablespoons of plain or vanilla Greek yogurt to a container and pack a separate container of fruits and granola for an instant parfait your kid can make!
Mini bagel with cream cheese – so easy and so yummy! Add raisins for a fun twist.
Pizza Pancakes – wow the kids with this great alternative to a sandwich!
After-school snacks:
Cheese and crackers – looking for a quick bite after school before heading out to soccer practice? Grab a handful of wheat crackers and top with some mozzarella cheese.
Graham Dunk – dip graham crackers into a tall glass of milk; or top with vanilla yogurt and a drizzle of honey.
Scrambled egg roll-up – scramble an egg, top with cheese and roll it up in a heated wheat tortilla. Top with salsa.
Healthy Strawberry Oatmeal Bars – serve with a cold or hot glass of milk for a delicious treat.