Savvy Snacking

By:   Light & Tasty Magazine

With some planning, imagination and know-how, it's a cinch to offer little ones tasty treats while keeping sugary temptations out of the house.

Quick simple snacks like fresh strawberries are ideal and don't involve a lot of ingredients that add up in calories. Plus, preparing a healthy snack with your child is a great way to teach him or her about making positive food choices. Kids are also more likely to enjoy a nutritious morsel if they have a hand in preparing it.

The next time you want to fix a treat that's low in fat, calories or sugar, consider the following ideas, many of which come from the American Dietetic Association.

• Whole wheat crackers with peanut butter
• Microwaved low-fat popcorn
• Trail mix made with breakfast cereal, raisins and pretzels
• Light yogurt with low-fat granola
• Half of a whole wheat bagel with fruit preserves 
• Berry smoothies
• Chopped veggies with light salad dressing for dipping
• Mixed nuts combined with dried fruit
• Fruit juice (Check the label to make sure the product is 100% juice.)
• Apple slices and cheese cubes

Article first published in Taste of Home's Light & Tasty magazine.