Finding a healthy snack to eat after school can be challenging, and resisting the temptations of sweets may be an even harder feat to accomplish. This week, I have a great snack that will keep you full of energy and concentration: sweet potato fries. They satisfy your sweet tooth and are a nutritious alternative for the junk foods you crave after school.

These delicious snacks are also a healthy substitute for greasy French fries. French fries are usually greasy and fatty with lots of calories and sodium. It is fine to eat them every once in a while, but you can eat sweet potato fries more often and score many more health benefits. Sweet potatoes are filled with antioxidants such as vitamin A, which improves your vision and keeps many organs like the heart, lungs, and kidneys healthy; and beta-carotene, which is a chemical compound that converts to vitamin A when eaten. This vegetable has more beta-carotene than leafy greens like kale and spinach!

In addition to vitamin A and beta-carotene’s benefits, sweet potatoes also have natural sugars that help to improve blood sugar regulation and magnesium that reduces stress. Vitamin D is yet another vital nutrient present in sweet potatoes. It keeps your energy levels high, helps you to stay in a positive mood, and strengthens your bones and heart. These multitalented vegetables are perfect to eat after school because they will lower your stress and boost your energy level for an efficient completion of homework.

I really like this recipe because it is so easy to make. It takes about 30 minutes in total and the only work you have to do is peel and chop a couple of potatoes. You can make these right after school and still have time to do all your homework while enjoying a delicious snack! One note about the recipe: use organic or all natural brown sugar, which is unprocessed and a little bit healthier. These sweet and easy treats add a punch of color, flavor, and health to your after-school diet. Enjoy!

Sweet Potato Fries

Ingredients:

• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 tablespoon of light brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon of ground pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 450˚ F.
2. Cut the potatoes in half, lengthwise and cut each half into 3 spears.
3. Place the spears on a baking sheet and toss with olive oil.
4. Mix together the brown sugar, salt, and pepper in a small bowl and sprinkle over the potatoes.
5. Bake for 15 minutes and then turn the potatoes with a spatula.
6. Bake for another 5 to 10 minutes, until the potatoes are lightly browned.
7. Sprinkle the potatoes lightly with salt and serve hot.

Yield: 4 servings