Easy, Go-To Snacks for Kids

Jeanne Muchnick, "America's Dinner Mom," offers parents a list of easy and healthy snack ideas that will appease hungry little ones.

• Funky Monkey freeze-dried fruit (www.funkymonkeysnacks.com)

• Naturally Nora (think all-natural Betty Crocker) has a full line of cake, frosting, and brownie mixes made with no artificial ingredients - inspired by a mom! (www.naturallynora.com)

• Tortilla roll-ups: Spread a tortilla with peanut butter and jelly, then roll up into a log and cut into inch-long pieces. Or use crabmeat to make your own California wrap - crab's low in carbs, calories, and fat, but high in protein. (Since I'm originally from Maryland, crabmeat is big at our house.)

• Smoothies: Blend one cup of milk with two cups of any combination of fruit or berries. For a dairy-free option, use soy milk or orange juice.

• Hard-boiled eggs: I always have them on-hand in fridge. An easy eat-on-the-go protein.

• Make-your-own trail mix: Toss one cup of cornflakes or Chex cereal with ½-cup raisins, ¼-cup almonds or peanuts, and one cup of mini crackers.

• Popcorn.

• Cheese (melt on tortilla or muffin). I love the new flavors of Laughing Cow.

• Celery with raisins, aka "ants on a log": Spread cream cheese or peanut butter in the groove of a celery stalk and top with raisins.

• Yogurt sundae: Spruce up plain yogurt with berries, sliced peaches, and crunchy cereal flakes, nuts, or seeds.

• Pumpkin seeds: A perfect fall idea! Toast or roast in your oven and salt or spice to taste. The shells are edible and are a good source of fiber.