Growing children's tummies fill up quickly, and active kids need more calories than they can get during meals alone. Snacks can account for up to 20 percent of your child's daily energy and nutritional requirements, making nutritious and good-tasting snacks an important and necessary part of your child's day. While health experts agree that most foods in moderation will work with a child's diet, they also agree that good eating habits are learned, and parents should provide a balance of food choices for the entire family.

So how do you get your kids to eat snacks that aren't loaded with sugar, sodium, andfat? Try including the kids in food preparation! Young children in particular often enjoy being in the kitchen and taking part in what they may think of as a grown-up activity. Children are more likely to eat something they've helped plan and prepare—a real plus for parents of finicky eaters. In addition, involving your child in planning and preparing snacks will not only give you quality time together, but begin teaching basic life skills and help your child learn to make healthy food choices.

If you've hit a roadblock when it comes to creative snack preparation, don't give up. Try these nutrient-packed snacks instead—your kids will never suspect they're eating something good for them!

Peach Petal Salad

Sweet and juicy, peaches are a fresh fruit favorite. Your child can put a spoonful of cottage cheese onto a plate while you cut a peach into slices. Then together, you and your young helper can arrange the slices into "petals." Try putting some berries in the middle for the center of the flower. Delicious!

Ants on a Log

Tell a toddler you're giving him peanut butter on celery and he may give you an uneasy look in return—but tell him you're making Ants on a Log and you're likely to pique his interest. Simply spread some peanut butter or cream cheese on a celery stick and let your child put on the raisins or chocolate chips for the ants. If you have animal crackers in the house, you could try "Tiger on a Log" or "Lion on a Log," too!Healthy Hummus

When you're crunched for time, this easy-to-assemble snack is great for the whole family. Hummus is a popular chickpea-based food from the Mediterranean and Middle East, traditionally used as a dip with pita bread, fresh vegetables, or crackers. It comes in several varieties and tastes yummy—and you'll be happy knowing you're serving a snack that contains little to no saturated fat or cholesterol but is high in fiber and protein. Hummus is great as a sandwich spread, too!

Berry Good Muffins

Blueberries are at the top of the "super foods" list these days, as health experts tout their powerful antioxidant properties, Vitamin C, and fiber content. Pair these delicious berries with oats and you've got a recipe for Berry Good Muffins that make great snacks, breakfasts, or even dessert.

Muffin Tin Mix-Up

Sometimes presentation is everything. Buy an inexpensive six-muffin tin and put different finger foods or dips in each tin. Children will love thinly sliced carrots, cucumbers, or peppers with a lowfat veggie dip or salad dressing. For other options, try a few pretzel twists, wheat crackers, whole grain cereal, or slivers of cheese. And don't forget the fruit and flavored yogurt to dip it in!

Apple Rice Pudding

If your kids want to help with snack preparation, Apple Rice Pudding is a great recipe for them to try. Even little children can help measure ingredients, empty them into a bowl, and stir to make this tasty treat sure to satisfy a sweet tooth.

Peanut Butter Tortilla Treats

There are a variety of tortillas on the market today, including some great high-fiber tortillas that are soft and don't fall apart when you roll them. Choose one type or try a variety when making this versatile snack for your family. 

Spread peanut butter on a tortilla (your child can do this with the back of a spoon) and then add what your little one likes. Try jam or honey spread on another tortilla, or let your child sprinkle diced apples or bananas on the peanut butter. Put the two tortillas together and use your pizza cutter to cut them into small triangles. Children will also like this snack as an easy-to-hold wrap.Orangey Orange Drink

Kids love unusual ways to eat and drink—did you know that an orange can serve as its own drink container? Roll an orange in your hands or microwave it for 15 seconds to soften it. Cut a small hole in the top of the fruit, insert a straw, and put the orange in a plastic bag. Your child can suck the juice right out of the fruit. How's that for fun and convenient?

Graham Goodies

Moms are sure to appreciate this snack that can be made ahead of time and frozen—great for when you or the kids want a sweet treat in a jiffy! Spread your child's favorite fruity yogurt on a graham cracker square. Top this with another graham square, wrap it in plastic wrap, and freeze.

Sweet Maple Fruit Dip

Are you trying to get your kids to eat more fresh fruit? This creamy Sweet Maple Fruit Dip is especially yummy with bananas, apples, and strawberries—and busy parents are sure to love how quickly the dip comes together.