Kids these days are bombarded with sugar. It's a daily part of most kids' diets. And while there is nothing wrong with a cookie or two in moderation, too much sugar can lead to health problems like diabetes and tooth decay. Children are usually pretty open to trying new things, especially if they look fun, so get creative with some healthy snacks that your kids will gobble up when they come home hungry from school.

• Let's face it, kids love to dip. Put dip with just about anything and a kid will at least taste it. Hummus, salsa, yogurt dip, and bean dip are just a few options. Pair them with raw veggies, healthy crackers or pretzels. Peanut butter dip tastes great with apples and celery.

• Add cheese. Kids love cheese, and it's a great way to add calcium to their diet. Roll ham slices up around cheese slices and secure with a pretzel stick. Serve string cheese, cheese cubes, or cheese slices with applesauce, crackers, peanut butter, or apple slices to satisfy an appetite.

• Yogurt and cottage cheese are kid-friendly and you can add so many things to them to give them some pizzazz. Sprinkle yogurt with granola for a crunchy, fun texture, or add fresh fruit to cottage cheese for a rich, delicious snack.
  
  
• Kids craving some hot food? Stick some sweet potato fries in the oven. Sweet potato fries are just as yummy as regular fries but offer a nutritious punch in the form of Vitamin A, C, and folate. Buy them store bought or slice up potatoes and make your own.
  
  
• Kids love kabobs. Use small cookie cutters to make shapes out of fruits and cheeses, and slide them on a stick for a fun, portable snack.
  
  
• Drink your snack. Grab your blender and whip up some healthy smoothies for kids to sip on after school. All you need to make a smoothie is yogurt, fruit juice, and some cut up fruit. Combine different fruits, like strawberries and bananas, for different smoothie flavors.
  
  
• Sneak healthy flavors into their favorite foods. If your child loves muffins, he'll probably eat up zucchini, carrot, or banana muffins. Let your kids indulge in baked goods that have a healthy twist, such as pumpkin bread or carrot bars.
  
  

Want to set a healthy example for your whole family but need help? Contact personal trainer Ralph Roberts for assistance. Ralph can create a custom workout plan for you or your whole family.