Try to incorporate whole grains, fruits, vegetables or beans into your kids’ snack-eating plan. To be prepared for snack attacks, stock up on simple foods. Peanut butter, whole-grain crackers, vegetables and fruits are some options. Other simple foods include cheese spread or slices, small bagels, pita bread and non-sugar-coated, ready-to-eat cereals. Keep these on hand for quick assembly of after-school snacks.

Follow these snacking strategies to keep children healthy and well nourished.

• Encourage children to plan simple snacks such as crackers and cheese or dried fruit and bite- sized whole-wheat crackers packed in a bag.
• Keep cleaned, raw vegetables such as celery and carrot sticks or red pepper strips in the refrigerator, along with some low-fat ranch dressing for a tasty dip.
• Portion out snacks or offer a single- serve package to keep serving sizes in line with children’s needs.  
  Allow children to select a new-to- them vegetable or fruit. Sample it together.