If you have a busy family with hungry kids (and who doesn’t), then you know that having snacks available is a must. But which snacks are both convenient and healthy?

The reality is that many of the easiest snacks are of lower nutritional value than meals. Any food that is pre-packaged or that contains added sugars (including juices) is not a healthy snack.

Processed foods made in a factory and sold in boxes have far too much sugar and salt, even if the producer artificially adds some vitamins and minerals. That makes for good marketing but not for healthy eating.

So what to snack on instead?

Aim for nutrient-dense foods such as grapes, lean proteins such as celery and peanut butter, or whole-grain cereals and bread such as a banana sandwich on whole-grain bread.

Healthy quick bites include different types of raw vegetables and fruit, yogurt dip and hummus.

Teach your children to eat the rainbow: an array of asparagus tips, carrots, strawberries and banana slices can be fun and appetizing.

It will definitely take time for your child to adjust to health snacking. Be consistent and persistent. Most importantly, model good dietary habits. If you clearly love the carrot sticks and yogurt dip, so will they!

Here’s a categorized list of foods that can be fun, fast and fulfilling.

* Fruits: Apples, bananas, grapes, oranges, peaches, plums and pears

* Veggies: Carrots, celery, broccoli, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers

* Protein: Edamame, hardboiled eggs hummus, tofu

* Dairy: Cheese, milk, yogurt

* Cereals: Air-popped popcorn, rice cakes, whole-grain crackers

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