We all want our children to learn healthy eating habits. But in a world overrun with fast food restaurants and vending machine snacks, providing healthy alternatives for kids has become difficult. Here is a list of hearty yet nutritious snacks for your family to enjoy.

Confetti Yogurt Pops

This delicious and easy-to-make treat is perfect on a hot summer day. Instead of buying pre-made and often sugar filled popsicles at the grocery store, let you kids make their own sweet treat. These easily customizable snacks are sure to beat the summer heat.

You will need:

• 2 cups low-fat vanilla yogurt
• 1 cup assorted berries (raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, chopped strawberries)
• 5    pretzel rods, halved, or 10 baked snack stick crackers

Click here for step-by-step instructions.

Banana on-a-stick

Peanut Butter is packed full of protein, an essential nutrient for any growing child. This yummy snack is sure to be a favorite!

You will need:

• 2 bananas
• 2 tbsp. peanut butter
• ¼ cup granola

Directions:

1. Insert a stick into the base of the banana
2. Generously cover bananas with peanut butter
3. Sprinkle granola on top of the peanut butter covered banana.

This treat can be enjoyed as is, or for a cold treat place bananas in the freezer.

Sweet Potato Fries

If you are looking for a healthier alternative to regular French fries, then look no further! Low in saturated fat; this snack is a great source of fiber, Vitamin B6, Potassium, Vitamin A, Vitamin C and Manganese. But the best part is, your kids will love the taste.

You will need:

• 2 large sweet potatoes
• 1 tbsp. of olive oil
• 1/4 tsp. salt

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees.
2. Cut the sweet potatoes into 1/2-inch strips or wedges and toss in the oil and salt.
3. Arrange on a nonstick baking sheet. Place in oven for 30 minutes, turning once.

Vanilla-Banana Smoothie

Smoothies are a great snack for kids. They are easy to make, portable, and customizable.  This is just one great recipe!

You will need:

• 1 medium banana
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1/8 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 cup crushed ice

Add all ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth.

Also, don’t be afraid to add fresh vegetables to fruit smoothies. The flavor of fruit is often stronger than the veggies, so your kids won’t even know they are in there. Try carrots or leafy green vegetables!

English Muffin Pizza

Who doesn’t love pizza? And the best part is, these little delights are not packed full of calories and fat! In less than 20 minutes you will have the perfect snack or small lunch.

You will need:

• 4 English muffins, split
• 1/2 cup canned pizza sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 16 slices pepperoni sausage

Click here for step-by-step directions.

Veggies with Dip

Although it seems overly simple, fresh veggies with a low-fat dip can really hit the spot. Kids will love the dipping concept and parents will love the nutritional benefits.

You will need:

• An assortment of fresh vegetables: try carrots, tomatoes, celery or broccoli
• Low-fat dip such as this great Hidden Valley Garden Vegetable Dip

What is your child’s favorite snack? Please share your ideas!