Healthy snacks are just as important as healthy meals.

Because snacks aren't just filler.

They provide energy my child needs to play, learn, and grow.

When my child gets the nutrients he needs, it keeps his body strong, which means fewer sick days.

It also keeps his mind clear, which means better days at school.

When we're out, it's easy to be tempted by choices that aren't so healthy.

So I pack healthy snacks to take with us.

Things like baby carrots, apple slices, and string cheese are easy to eat on the go.

I used to think, "My kid won't eat healthy snacks."

But the truth is, my child knows a good thing when he tastes it.

All I have to do is make fruits, vegetables, and other fresh snacks available.

And my little one gobbles them up.

I buy high-protein, whole-grain snacks for energy and try to make sure my son's eating all the colors of the rainbow so he gets all the different vitamins he needs.

My son enjoys his healthy snacks even more when we make them together.

When my child sees me eating healthy snacks, he wants to eat them, too.

So I find things we can both enjoy.

I know that by eating healthy snacks now, I'm helping my little one develop lifelong healthy eating habits.

And that feels pretty good.

For more tips like these, go to WNET.org/Education.