Growing kids need snacks between meals, but keeping those snacks healthy can be a challenge. The health department makes it a little bit easier with some suggestions.

Morgan Moore, a registered dietitian with the El Paso County health department, says eating small, balanced meals every three to four hours is ideal for an active, healthy kid.

She says, and as most parents know, when kids go too long between meals they tend to get cranky, have trouble paying attention and have a hard time learning new information. That's why snacks should consist of whole, natural foods versus processed foods

Moore lays out a few comparisons to base your own judgments on:
1) fresh fruits vs. “fruit gummy snacks”, 2) whole grain crackers vs. white crackers.

Health officials say the snacks should include two to three different food groups. Choose from the milk, vegetable, fruit, grain, and protein food groups. The combinations are endless, and an easy way to keep it varied is to constantly alter your colors; eat a variety of different fruits and vegetables throughout the week. Each color supplies a different vitamin.

Some other healthy, kid-friendly snack examples include:

- Low-fat yogurt parfaits with fresh fruit and crumbled graham crackers
- Hummus with raw cut veggies
- Homemade trail mix with nuts and dried fruits
- Half-grilled ham & cheese quesadilla
- Fresh fruit kabobs with creamy yogurt dip
- Homemade oatmeal-raisin cookies
- Half-whole grain pita pocket filled with peanut butter & banana slices
- Whole wheat crackers & a low-fat string cheese stick

For more information on health snacking, and some more recipes, visit the health department's website by clicking the link below.