As a family physician, nutrition expert, and mother of 4, I am delighted to share my top picks for the healthiest snacks for kids.

• Cut fresh veggies (baby carrots, celery sticks, bell pepper strips, broccoli/cauliflower florets, etc.) – serve along with a “healthy dip” like hummus, low-fat salad dressing, guacamole, or salsa.
• Low-fat yogurt – plain sweetened with blended fruit or a bit frozen fruit juice concentrate  is best.  If you use low-fat fruit flavored yogurts, cut in half with plain to reduce their sugar content.
• Nuts or seeds – almonds, cashews, walnuts, peanuts, etc.  Don’t forget about sunflower seeds and toasted pumpkin seeds.
• Fresh, frozen or dried fruit – serve cut up in an interesting cup or bowl.  Even better, create a “healthful” fruit/yogurt parfait by alternating layers of fruit with low-fat yogurt and granola.
• Roasted soy nuts – try them!  Most kids find them delicious.
• Reduced-fat cheese – you can now find an amazing array of cheeses made from 2% milk in lots of kid friendly packaging.
• Whole grain crackers, like Ak-mak, Kashi TLC, or Triscuits with 2% milk cheese, peanut butter, almond nut butter, hummus, salsa, or spreadable fruit.
• Granola bars
• Hard-boiled omega-3 fortified eggs
• A piece of dark chocolate or a cup of hot cocoa made with low-fat/skim milk and “real” cocoa powder

Remember as a parent you have the single greatest impact on your child’s diet and nutrition so make those snacks healthy.  If you would like my best advice for “grown-ups,” check out my free article, Healthy Snacking.