* Chewy fruit snacks – Kids who insist on eating nothing but junk food are often happy to eat pre-packaged fruit snacks. Little do they know that they’re actually good for them! Choose a brand with no added sugar and plenty of vitamin C.

* Fruit and cheese kebabs – Here’s another idea that’s nice to look at and fun to eat. Spear pineapple chunks, grapes and cubes of cheese onto a toothpick or popsicle stick and serve by itself, or with some yogurt as a dip.

* Ants on a log – If your child is stubborn about eating healthy food, try this fun snack with visual appeal. Cut up some celery sticks, fill them with peanut butter, and top with raisins.

* Baby carrots – When it comes to vegetables, carrots are one of the most popular among the younger set. Keep some baby carrots on hand, and chances are they’ll be gone before you know it, especially you have some low fat homemade dips nearby.

* Mini bagel pizzas – If your child is really hungry, a more filling snack might be in order. You can make bite-sized pizzas by topping mini bagels with a dollop of pizza sauce and a pinch of mozzarella cheese. Add some finely chopped sweet peppers for extra nutrition, and heat in the microwave or toaster oven until the cheese is melted.

You can also make individual pizzas for the whole family with whatever toppings they like using bagels, English muffin halves, or whole, unsplit pitas. Go for whole wheat bread wherever possible.

A sandwich-with the kinds of fillings and breads available now, from pitta to panini, it is easy to take along an extra sandwich, or have one all ready and waiting for them when they get home.

Kids often crave sweets or greasy chips at snack time, but there are healthier options that taste great too. Fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts and yogurt are good for your children, and if they are willing to give them a chance, they’ll find that they taste great too.

So on your next trip to the grocery store, leave the cookies and store-bought convenience snack packs on the shelf, and stock up on these healthy alternatives. Most of these snack suggestions are good at home, or can be eaten on the go. Best of all, if you pack them in advance, it can help your kids avoid the temptation of bad foods and teach them to make better choices so they can snack smarter.