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Healthy Snacks

When your child comes home from school, does he or she make a beeline for the cookie jar or the chips? Kids need food between meals to nourish their growing bodies. But processed foods loaded with sugar are not the best choice for them. They need a snack that offers vitamins, minerals and other nutrients.

Keeping healthy snack options on hand will help your child get the nutrition he needs while satisfying his hunger. Here are some ideas:

Raisins - Individual serving size boxes of raisins are great for snacking. They have that sweet taste that kids crave, and they provide nutrients such as iron, vitamin A, vitamin C and the B vitamins.

Apples - Most kids love to eat apples. If possible, serve them with the peel on for the most vitamins and minerals. But if your child refuses to eat the peel, apples are still healthy without it. Top with peanut butter, cheese or yogurt for even more great taste and nutritional value.

Yogurt with berries and granola - If your child likes yogurt, he'll probably like it even more with some berries and granola added. This snack provides healthy doses of protein and fiber, plenty of vitamins and very little fat.

Trail mix - Nuts are great for an energy boost, and they provide much-needed protein for kids. Dried fruit provides vitamins and sweetness.

Ants on a log - If your child is stubborn about eating healthy food, try this fun snack with visual appeal. Cut up some celery sticks, fill them with peanut butter, and top with raisins.

Fruit and cheese kebabs - Here's another idea that's nice to look at and fun to eat. Spear pineapple chunks, grapes and cubes of cheese onto a toothpick or popsicle stick.

Baby carrots - When it comes to vegetables, carrots are one of the most popular among the younger set. Keep some baby carrots on hand, and chances are they'll be gone before you know it.

Chewy fruit snacks - Kids who insist on eating nothing but junk food are often happy to eat pre-packaged fruit snacks. Little do they know that they're actually good for them! Choose a brand with no added sugar and plenty of vitamin C.

Mini bagel pizzas - If your child is really hungry, a more filling snack might be in order. You can make bite-sized pizzas by topping mini bagels with a dollop of pizza sauce and a pinch of mozzarella cheese. Add some finely chopped sweet peppers for extra nutrition, and heat in the microwave or toaster oven until the cheese is melted.

Kids often crave sweets or greasy chips at snack time, but there are healthier options that taste great as well. Fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts and yogurt are good for our kids, and if they will give them a chance, they'll find that they taste great too. So on your next trip to the grocery store, leave the junk snacks on the shelf and load up on these healthy alternatives.

SBI!