I sometimes think that my children eat by the clock rather than because they feel hungry because every day at 3:00 the questions begin. “What’s for snack mom?” I’m hungry, what can I eat?”
Inexpensive and healthy snacks are hard to find. Fruit is a wonderful snack and always my first choice, but it’s not always available at a good price.
Popcorn has become a favorite stand by. It’s pretty cheap to buy in bulk, easy to pop, and everybody around here likes it. It also fills up those tummies that seem to be bottomless at times.
Personally I prefer oil popped popcorn slathered in melted butter (yes, I know it isn’t good for me!), but for snack time I wanted something easier and healthier.
We found a hot air popper at a garage sale last summer and it has turned into an excellent investment. It’s so easy to use that even my youngest can do it and there’s minimal clean up involved, (except for sweeping the popcorn off the floor!)
If you’re really feeling brave or need a wild afternoon activity, put a clean sheet on the floor and take the top off of the hot air popper. The popcorn will fly into the air as it’s popped and your kids will think you’re amazing!
Cheap, filling, and even somewhat nutritious, popcorn earns a spot on our Thrifty Snack List.