As much as I love my parents, sometimes I think about how often the only snacks in the pantry were a few different flavors of pop-tarts to pair with a glass of sweet tea.

Kids don’t need five kinds of packaged sugary treats; they need the same nutrients + vitamins that adults do – especially growing kids.

Moms + Dads out there, here are some ideas for healthy snacks to satisfy any kid’s never-ending hunger:

🍓For the kid who likes to have a dipping sauce: Whole wheat tortilla wrapped around string cheese with salsa for dipping or fruit + cheese kabobs cut into cute shapes with yogurt dipping sauce.

🥜For the kid who never sits still: Homemade trail mix with nuts, seeds, whole grain cereal or popcorn and dried fruit

🍕For the kid who only ever wants pizza: Mini whole wheat pizza or bagel bites. Use a whole wheat English muffin or mini bagel with pizza or spaghetti sauce and low-fat cheese toasted under the broiler till the cheese gets gooey.

🍌For the kid with a sweet tooth: A banana spread with nut butter and raisins sprinkled on top is a healthier version of a banana split.

🥒A GVLtoday favorite: Mixed raw veggies like cucumber slices, bell pepper strips + carrots and whole wheat pita triangles with hummus.

Pro tip: Prep snacks before the kids raid the fridge after school + try to avoid letting them snack in front of the television (or iPad, iPhone, whatever). It’ll keep them mindful of how much they are intaking.

*This post was made in partnership with Greenville Health System.