The importance of snacks should not be underestimated. Snacks provide nutritious fuel for after-school activities kids are involved in. Nutritious snacks not only provide extra energy for kids’ high-energy needs, but they also help to maintain blood sugar levels. Healthy snackers make for more energetic and less grumpy kids.

Here are some suggestions for grab-and-go, healthy snacks:

• Apples or carrot sticks with hummus or a nut butter like almond butter
• Graham crackers with a nut butter or plain yogurt
• Air popped popcorn
• Low-fat string cheese
• Plain yogurt with berries or a banana
• Dried fruit
• Almonds
• Frozen Grapes

Here are some suggestions for easy to prepare, healthy snacks:

• Ants on a log: spread peanut butter on celery sticks and top with raisins
• Banana Ice: peel several very ripe bananas, break them into 1-inch pieces and freeze in a plastic bag. Combine a couple pieces of frozen banana with a small amount of water or juice in a blender and serve.
• Ice Pops: freeze fresh, unsweetened juice in ice pop molds or ice cube trays,
• Trail Mix: combine whole-grain toasted oat cereal, chopped walnuts, and dried cranberries.