How to create healthy party snacks for kids

Take action:

• Let kids help prepare and serve the food.

• Serve sweet treats at the end of the party. Opt for single-serve fruit treats such as popsicles or yogurt.

• Skip soda and serve 100 percent fruit juice (add a dash of sparkling water), or water served with fresh fruit.

• Present the foods in a fun way, such as by cutting out fruit and vegetables into fun shapes with cookie cutters and serving with dips, or serving fruit or veggie kabobs.

• If you're looking for convenience, serve air-popped popcorn, whole-wheat tortilla chips with guacamole and salsa, or whole-wheat pita bread and hummus. Make trail mix with whole-grain cereal, dried fruit and nuts.

• Make a healthier spinach artichoke dip by sauteeing garlic, spinach and artichokes and mixing with fat-free Greek yogurt and Parmesan cheese. Serve with veggies and whole-wheat bread.

• Create a veggie tray with lots of brightly-colored vegetables. Serve a protein-packed main dish, such as meatballs made with lean ground beef or turkey, or mini-pizzas with whole wheat pitas, low sodium sauce, low-fat mozzarella and veggies on top.

Read more on healthy alternatives:
Party snack ideas for kids
South Africa's fight for the right for food
How to get your kids to really talk to you