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Step 1
Read the label. Before you buy any snacks that claim to be healthy, make sure the ingredient list doesn't start with high-fructose corn syrup or hydrogenated oil. Many products targeted toward kids are high in sugar or sodium.
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Step 2
Look for fiber-rich snacks with oats, bran or wheat. Fiber helps keep kids feeling full and provides longer-lasting fuel for them to run, jump and play.
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Step 3
Reach for fresh, not packaged. Most packaged snacks are filled with unhealthy preservatives. Opt for actual peanut butter instead of prepackaged peanut-butter crackers.
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Step 4
Think of a snack as a mini-meal, with a small amount of protein, fat and carbohydrate. Protein sources could be lean meat, nuts or dairy products. Carbohydrates should be full of fiber; think fresh produce, whole-wheat bread or wheat crackers. For instance, add some cheese to wheat crackers with a side of raisins and a glass of juice.
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Step 5
Look for food that can be made fun to eat. With kids, presentation matters. Dipping is always a hit, so serve fresh veggies with yogurt dip. For kids who are old enough to eat kabobs safely, skewer some fresh fruit and cheese.
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Step 6
Watch what's in your kids' drinks. Look for options that are low in sugar, such as milk or 100 percent real juice. Putting the juice in bright-colored cups with swirly straws can make a healthy drink fun.
