Healthy snacks for kids of all ages

My kids are 10 and 12 and they like to snack all the time! I wish I could say they always choose a healthy snack --- truth is, they'll eat whatever they can access. Every so often I have to remind myself to stock the kitchen with good choices. I've also discovered that the kids will eat fruits and vegetables if I cut them up and put them on the counter, but they'll never dig in the fridge for a crisp apple or stalk of celery. What a phenomenon!

Here's a list of healthy snacks kids and adults can gobble down at home or bring to school to share. The meet the nutrition guidelines --- just make sure you understand the proper portion size.

• Pretzels
• Unsweetened applesauce
• Yogurt
• Raisins
• Apple slices
• Orange sections
• Melon slices
• Grapes
• Dried fruit
• Fruit cups
• Graham crackers
• Veggies & dip
• Pita chips
• Popcorn
• Trail mix
• Juice/yogurt popsicles
• Baked chips
• Sugar-free jello
• Nuts & seeds
• Cereal (low sugar)

There are many more items that can be added to this list. In the coming weeks I'll share some recipes that use healthy snack items to make snacks and lunches more interesting. Please let me know if you have great recipes of your own!