If you have an elementary student, chances are you will need to have some healthy snacks on hand. Teachers send home note asking parents to provide their kids healthy snack for school, especially for first, second, and third graders.

My son can’t have anything that sweet, so this morning I was franticly looking in my cupboard to find something. What I came up with was dull and boring in my son’s eyes, animal Ritz crackers! I explain that this is only for emergency. I took him to school, and come back to think about the snack issue. I need five different snacks, for five school days, that are unsweetened, need no spoon, no mess, and healthy. Here are 10 ideas that sure will make your little ones happy.

1. Mixed nuts

   These should be tailored to your child’s preferences. If he like peanut, almond, walnut, and pistachios then mix them together. Sprinkle a little salt and sugar to coat them for taste. Nuts are high in protein, and contain antioxidants.

2. Bite size fresh fruit

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   Apple, peaches, oranges, grapes, cantaloupes, nectarines, strawberry, and pear pieces are healthy and high in vitamin.

3. Dried fruits

   Raisins, pineapples, apricots, and cranberries are great addition to mixed nuts.

4. Cheese

   Avoid cheese with the words “processed cheese food” in it, and cut them up into cubes, or buy low fat string cheese.

5. Fresh vegetables

   Cut up celery, broccoli, cauliflower, cucumber, and mix with baby carrots for fresh, healthy snacks.

6. Pretzels

   Preferably no salt and low fat. Mix pretzels with some mixed nuts if you like.

7. Seeds

   Sunflower seeds are great.

8. Granola bars

   Making sure there is no trans fat in them. You can mix 1 cup of whole grain toasted oat cereal with ½ cup of your choice chopped nuts, and ½ cup of dried fruit for a healthy trail mix.

9. Yogurts

   Purchase the squeezable, and tube ones for easy access. Yogurt contains an active culture which helps your child’s immune system to fight off the cold and flu.

10. Whole wheat crackers

    Spread peanut butter on them, and make little sandwiches. Or break up the cheese and make cheese sandwiches.

Eating healthy snacks also offer other benefits, such as:

1. Curb your appetite from having an extra serving at meal time.
2. Adds extra nutrients and energy for on the go when meals are irregular
3. Satisfy children’s small stomach, and provide less active adults who burn fewer calories to eat small meals more often

Most of these snacks can be stored in small bags in the refrigerator for conveniences. They are great for on the go families. Not all natural or pure mean nutritious. Check the Nutrition Facts Label on the food to be sure. Sometimes, low fat foods have nearly as many calories as the full fat versions.

If you make the food yourself, you decide what is going on in them. Healthy snacks make healthy kids. Make sure you have a habit of stocking on fresh fruits and vegetables. Reading the serving size label provide you with information on calories, fat, and sugar.