Healthy Snacks for Family Weight Loss and Kids' Nutrition

You can't go wrong with fresh fruits and vegetables at snack time: They're tasty, low in fat and calories and packed with vitamins and minerals. Even better, they satisfy your hunger and fill you up. Whole-grain cereals, bagels and crackers offer many of the same benefits. Low-fat dairy products, including yogurt, cheese, fruit smoothies and ice-cold milk make excellent snacks because they taste great and give your body the calcium it needs.

It's a good idea to steer clear of junk foods like chips, cookies, snack cakes and sodas because they offer little in the way of vitamins and minerals, and they're often loaded with calories, fat, sugar and salt.

When you feel a snack attack coming on, try munching on raw veggies dipped in low-fat dressing, a bowl of whole grain cereal with low-fat milk or a whole wheat bagel topped with a teaspoon of peanut butter and a sliced banana. If you're in the mood for a snack that's salty and crunchy, choose low-fat popcorn or pretzels instead of chips. When you need a pick-me-up that will satisfy your sweet tooth, grab a piece of fresh fruit or a handful of raisins instead of raiding the cookie jar.

When you choose nutritious foods that are low in fat and calories, you can keep on snacking—and still lose weight.