Children who eat balanced snacks pay attention longer in class, make fewer mistakes on tests and generally have fewer behavioral problems.

Parents know the challenge of coming up with healthy snacks that children will actually eat. An energy-boosting snack should combine small amounts of protein with carbohydrates, so you can generate ideas for snacks by creating two lists with your child.

One list should contain their favorite carbohydrate-rich foods, and the second list their favorite protein-rich foods. Then create an anytime, healthy snack by selecting one serving from each list.

Carbohydrate Foods

Vegetables, cut into sticks or slices

Fruit

Dried fruit

Popcorn

Dry whole-grain cereal

Graham crackers

Low-fat, whole grain crackers or pretzels

Whole grain bagel, bread, tortilla, tortilla chips or baked chips

Protein-Rich Foods

String cheese

Low-fat yogurt

Low-fat cottage cheese

Low-fat milk

Low-fat cream cheese

Peanut butter (and other nut butters)

Nuts and seeds

Hard-boiled egg

Sliced turkey or other low-fat meat

Hummus