Let's talk after school snacks-- and milk! I mean, I am a dairy farmers wife after all. When my kids burst into the house from a full day at school they are ravenous little dragons. I kid you not. I love them but they come home as fire-breathing, 'hangry' little creatures. They drop everything on the floor and make a mad dash for the pantry. "MOOOOOOOM! I'm starving. What is there to eat?!" Well, after they hang up with backpacks and find a place for their shoes we get down to the snacking. Lite snacking since dinner if often right around the corner. Also, if their hungry they are often thirsty too-- so it's snacks and milk all around!

Did you know that milk's essential nutrients can be difficult to replace in a healthy way? 

Three 8-ounce cups of milk provide as much nutrients as seventeen [17] cups of kale, 3 cups of red kidney beans, 5 cups of cooked broccoli, 3 cups of red peppers, 6 large mushrooms and 15 sardines. I don't know about you but there is no way I'm getting my kids to eat 17 cups of kale per day, let alone the 5 whole cups of broccoli. 

So, here are some of our favorite snack and whole milk pairings!

- Granny Smith Apple Slices, Peanut Butter & Craisins and one cup of Milk

-Whole Grain Crackers, Sharp Cheddar Cheese and one cup of Milk

- Sliced Strawberries, Green Grapes and one cup of Milk

-Fruit Sushi and one cup of Milk

[One Banana covered in PB and rolled in Rice Crispies, slice and enjoy]

-Pita Chips, hummus and one cup of Chocolate Milk

-Celery, Peanut Butter, Raisins and one cup of Chocolate Milk

-No Bake Energy Bites and one cup of Chocolate Milk

- One slice of After School Banana Bread and one cup of Chocolate Milk

-One cup of Popcorn and one cup of Chocolate Milk

Remember to get those three servings of dairy per/day so you and you're kiddos can rack up all of the amazing health benefits. 

Happy Snacking!