Kids often need a snack between meals or after school. They are busy all day burning up energy and occasionally need a caloric boost. Parents want to give them healthy treats but what kids want may not be healthy. Become a good label reader and avoid snacks containing high-fructose corn syrup and hydrogenated soybean oil. The healthiest snacks are made from natural foods and do not include artificial coloring or flavors. The snack recipes that follow will soon become family favorites. They are easy to make and everyone will enjoy these naturally sweet, delicious, and healthy snacks. 

Banana and Peanut Butter Rounds

Take a banana and slice lengthwise. Spread one half with natural peanut or almond butter. Sprinkle raisins and sunflower or pumpkin seeds on top of the nut butter and put the two halves together. Slice in rounds and serve with some apple slices or grapes. 

Yogurt Pops

Fill popsicle molds about two-thirds full with low fat yogurt. Add a little crunchy granola on top and insert a sturdy pretzel for the popsicle stick. Put in the freezer till firm. For fun variations stir carob chips, pumpkin seeds or dried fruit into the yogurt before adding to the molds. Your children will beg for these!

Fruit Kabobs

These are fun to make. Using a stick pretzel for the skewer, push it through several small chunks of banana, pear, peach or other soft fruit. Stack them on a plate and watch them disappear.

Stuffed Pears

Fill a pear half with low fat yogurt and top with fresh berries and a sprinkle of granola. Variations might include low fat vanilla pudding and carob chip topping.

Banana and Strawberry Cream

Add several chunks of frozen banana, 3 frozen strawberries and a tablespoon of natural apple juice to a blender. Blend mixture on high speed until it is creamy. You may add a little more apple juice if necessary. Spoon the cold mixture into a desert dish and garnish with two graham cracker quarters.

Banana Pops

Cut bananas in half and insert a pretzel stick in the flat side of each half. Dip in low fat yogurt and roll in granola mixed with sunflower seeds, raisins, dried cranberries or carob chips. Use a variety of yogurt flavors. The ones with fruit bits add a fun flavor twist.

Set a healthy example for your kids by serving natural snacks.