When your child comes home from school, does he make a beeline for the cookie jar?

Children need to have several small meals a day to keep their body fuelled and help them grow. The trouble is that what is convenient these days tends to be very unhealthy.

Processed foods laden with salt, sugar, or high fructose corn syrup are not the best choice for children, or indeed any member of your family. When it comes to eating in a healthy manner, we all need a snack that offers vitamins, minerals and other nutrients.

Keeping healthy snack options on hand will help your child get the nutrition s/he needs, while satisfying their hunger. Here are some quick and handy ideas for you and the whole family to snack smarter.

* Raisins – Individual serving size boxes of raisins are great for snacking. They have that sweet taste that kids crave, and they provide nutrients such as iron, vitamin A, vitamin C and the B vitamins.

* Apples – Most kids love to eat apples. If possible, serve them with the peel on for the most vitamins and minerals. But if your child refuses to eat the peel, apples are still healthy without it. Top with peanut butter, cheese or yogurt for even more great taste and nutritional value.

* Yogurt with berries and granola – If your child likes yogurt, he’ll probably like it even more with some berries and granola added. This snack provides healthy doses of protein and fiber, plenty of vitamins, and very little fat if you make sure you use fat free yogurt.

* Trail mix – Nuts are great for an energy boost, and they provide much-needed protein for kids. Dried fruit provides vitamins and sweetness. Avoid the commercial trail mixes that come with chocolate chips or colored candies in them. Also watch the chemicals in store-bought dried fruit. You can make your own easily, or go to a healthfood store to buy the kind without sulfites.