Snack Patrol

Kids feeling famished? Keep their taste buds from tricking them into overindulging by steering them away from sweet or salty snacks.

Research shows that sweet or salty foods may taste even sweeter or saltier when kids are really hungry. Skipping meals can increase their sensitivity to these tastes. When stomachs are rumbling, offer some fruit or slices of their favorite raw vegetables to quell the noise and keep their taste buds sane.

When chosen wisely, snacks can provide an opportunity for kids to get the nutrients they need. The trick is to make sure that snacks pack as much nutritional punch and fiber as possible without adding a lot of saturated fat and calories.

Also, think about placement. Make it easy for your child to reach for that yogurt and cut-up fruit instead of the bag of chocolate chip cookies. If healthful snacks are as convenient as the high-sugar, high-fat ones, you'll encourage healthy snacking behavior. Have celery and carrot sticks stored in Tupperware in your refrigerator at all times. Keep fresh fruit in a bowl on the counter so that it's the first thing your children see when they walk into the kitchen. A handful of nuts, seeds, and dried fruit can give them a quick and nutritious calorie boost. Keep bananas dipped in fat-free chocolate syrup and wrapped in wax paper in the freezer for when their sweet tooth calls.