20 Healthy snacks that your child will actually eat
As the mother of a picky eater, I'm always looking for ways to keep my son interested in healthy food. I have discovered that if food is "fun" to make, looks cool, or is just really tasty, children don't mind so much that sugar is absent in their snacks. I must add that my son has been raised on a normal western diet for the majority of his life, and still occasionally eats sugary garbage. But I'm finding that the more we prepare healthful natural snacks, the more he actually prefers to eat that way! He has a "one a day" allowance in which he is able to eat anything he desires, and lately he has chose sweet potato "fries" cucumber slices, or bananas and yogurt for his treat. I have to say, I never realized how much it would warm my heart to see him making wise food choices!

Here are some treats that we enjoy:
1. The classic "ants on a log" celery, peanut butter, and raisins or dried cranberries. (I use all natural peanut butter) . Not many kids will turn this down, especially if they are allowed to make their own messy logs.
2.Peanut butter and banana sandwich, on whole wheat or seven grain bread, of course.
3.Sweet potato "fries". Cut sweet potatoes into long slices, use a non-stick spay on a cookie sheet and bake. Top with cinnamon.
4.Kale chips. It's no secret that I'm crazy for kale. I use it in several recipes. Fresh Kale leaves sprayed with a non-stick spray and baked in the oven make a tasty snack that is crispy like chips.
5. Banana Popsicle(or any fruit on a stick)) sliced and dipped first in yogurt (soy if you are vegetarian) then dipped in chopped nuts, granola, sunflower seeds or rice cereal. Or if kids want chocolate, I sometimes let my son add a few chocolate sprinkles.
6.Home made trail mix. Your child will love adding his favorite cereals, dried fruits, (pretzels) and nuts or seeds to bag and shaking it up!
7.Graham crackers or gingersnaps dipped in applesauce
8.Grilled fruit. Apples, peaches, and pineapple work well. Make fruit kabobs!
9.Home made muffins or cupcakes. Much better than pre-packaged crap. Many healthy recipes can be found all over the web.
10.Kids will eat most sliced raw vegetables when they are placed on a fun tray with some sort of dip. Kids love to dip things!
11. Ramen noodles (I use whole wheat noodles, but most people like ramen) with added veggies. My son loves this with fresh chopped garlic.
12.Smoothies-be creative. Kids love choosing fruit and using a blender. I add a little soy milk and crushed ice.
13. Air popped popcorn flavors like garlic, taco seasoning, or cinnamon can be added.
14. Frozen grapes-great for hot days!
15.If you eat dairy, goldfish in a pond. Rice cake, blue food colored cream cheese (or blueberry cream cheese topped with goldfish crackers.
16.Apple slices topped with peanut butter and granola.
17. Tortilla chips with bean dip
18.Garden veggies coated with whole wheat flour and baked in a sprayed oven pan. Just today, my son went nuts over squash cooked this way! (I use celery salt for added flavor)
19. Pizza, use English muffins, half a whole wheat pita, or make your own crust. Let kids smear with a little tomato sauce. Add cheese (soy if you like) and let your kid be creative with vegetable toppings.
20. Super Easy-cereal with chopped fruit and soy milk!