Healthy Kids' Party Snacks

Finger-food snacks are always popular at a party. But many easy snacks, such as chips, are high in fat; candy is high in sugar. Since kids love to snack, so they will probably eat more than they should. Have healthy snacks so they can eat as much as they want and still enjoy the party.

Fruit and Vegetables

Arrange a fruit platter that's bright and appetizing. Use orange wedges, small sized bunches of grapes, fresh cherries and juicy blackberries and strawberries. If the kids are old enough to handle toothpicks, consider cutting up chunks of pineapple or cube pieces of mango. Add in slices of watermelon and cantaloupe. Kids will also eat vegetables if presented with dip. Arrange baby carrots, celery, radishes and broccoli florets. Slice up cucumber and rutabaga. For the dip, consider using a plain, low-fat yogurt (Greek style is recommended) and mix with seasonings, such a packet of Lipton's Onion Soup.

Trail Mix and Popcorn

Use wheat pretzels and wheat Chex as the basis for trail mix. Add peanuts and other nuts along with raisins, Craisons, dried banana chips or other chunks of dried fruit. Put in a few chocolate chips for that extra sweet touch.

Low-fat popcorn can be a good snack. Kids will eat it plain, or you can make flavored popcorn. After the corn has popped, according to directions, pour the popcorn into a large bowl. Lightly spray it with a butter spray so the flavoring will stick. Sprinkle on some flavor, such as cinnamon. Or make it taco flavored using a packet of taco seasoning. Then mix the seasoning in well with the popcorn.

Use Peanut Butter

Peanut butter is a great snack for children. Its healthy monounsaturated fat lowers cholesterol and helps fill up stomachs, so the kids will likely snack less. Make little finger sandwiches with peanut butter and banana slices. Or cut celery into three-inch lengths and fill the groove with peanut butter. Or fill it with a little light cream cheese.

References

• 10 Healthy Snacks for Kids