Fun Healthy Snacks for Kids on the Go

Are your kids tired of the same old snacks? Do they cringe at the thought of peanut butter and jelly, yogurt or spaghetti in a can? Do you disagree with their choice of snack cakes, frozen pizza or ice cream?

Are you looking for fun, healthy, snacks suitable for kids on the go? Things that are quick to fix, taste great and require little clean up?

In today's hectic world, the perfect kid friendly snack is portable, lower in calories and inexpensive to prepare. Choose a variety of munchies that will be the hit, of the neighborhood.

The following ideas are only a few of an almost unlimited number of tasty snacks, for busy kids. Use them as a starting point and adapt them as you see fit.

If your kids love fruit, use it to your advantage. Pair fruits such as apple slices, banana slices, strawberries or pineapple chunks with chocolate, butterscotch or vanilla pudding 'dip'. Homemade pudding is easy to make and usually preferred over store bought brands. But, ready-to-eat pudding cups work just as well when you don't have time to make it from scratch.

Here is another quick and easy fruit snack, using graham crackers as a base. Spread cracker with fruit swirled cream cheese. Available flavors include strawberry, peach, pineapple and blueberry. Top with your child's favorite fresh fruit. Drizzle with honey. Sprinkle with cinnamon, if desired. (Tip: These are great served with cheese cubes or yogurt.)

A simple potato can be turned into a healthy, delicious, snack in just a matter of minutes. Keep a variety of ingredients on hand to create a 'potato bar', right in your own kitchen. Allow your kids to smother their potatoes with yummy toppings that can include shredded cheese, salsa, bacon bits, sour cream, broccoli and left over chili.

(Tip: Potatoes can be microwaved right before serving or baked in advance and refrigerated, until ready to eat.)

Salads are nutritious snacks, either 'on the go' or right at home. They are quick to fix and can be made up individually to satisfy everyone's taste. Don't be afraid to get creative. Many fruits and nuts compliment a vegetable salad. You may actually find your kids eating more salad, if you jazz at up a bit.

When packing a salad in a lunch, remember this tip to keep it fresh. Send the dressing in a separate container, so the salad won't be soggy when it's time to eat. If croutons, nuts or bacon bits are to be added pack those separately, as well. That way they will remain crunchy and delicious.

Consider purchasing a sandwich maker. They are inexpensive and a big time saver when your kids are in need of a healthy snack. Depending on their age, they can make them, themselves.

Did you know that sandwich makers are great for making other things besides sandwiches? You can whip up speedy omelets, corn dogs, French toast, pizzas, muffins and much more.

Using a sandwich maker is a wonderful way to use up leftovers, too. There is just no end to the number of sandwich combos you can create. Even, sometimes, boring ingredients like peanut butter and jelly, tuna or egg salad taste better in a sandwich made this way. Try it!

(Tip: Mix up a cake mix or your favorite muffin recipe. Cupcakes and muffins are a breeze to make, in this machine. Fill the cavities, close the lid and in about 4 minutes you'll have a yummy treat. Leftover batter can be stored in the refrigerator for a couple of days, although it probably won't last that long.)

Don't forget about tortillas. They are very versatile and most kids love them. For a super simple snack, top a tortilla with shredded cheese and then a second tortilla. Microwave until cheese melts. Cut into triangles and serve with salsa and sour cream. What could be easier than that?

Remember, tortillas can be topped with almost anything. Chicken salad, chili, sloppy joe filling, ham and cheese, tuna, peanut butter and fresh cooked veggies, are just a few suggestions, to get you started.

Filled tortillas can be heated in the microwave, baked, fried or even used in the sandwich maker, mentioned above.

Here's to happy and healthy snacking!