Need Healthy Snack Ideas?

Salem Patch invites you and your circle of friends to help build a community of support for mothers and their families right here in Salem.

Each week in Moms Talk, our Moms Council of experts and smart moms take your questions, give advice and share solutions.

Grab a cup of coffee and settle in to read this week's question. Below is how the Moms Council answered, but we want to hear from you. Leave a comment in the comment box below and share your thoughts.

Question: What are some quick and healthy snacks you prepare for your children?

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Erin Cyr: Right now my son is really into oranges and Clementines. They are easy to throw in a diaper bag, just don't forget you have them in there. We also make a little dish I call the "toaster burrito" which consists of a tortilla spread with refried beans, cheese, and salsa that I throw in the toaster oven. Then we top it with chopped avocados, or his new favorite dip which is black bean and greek yogurt puree. If you wrap it up in tin foil this snack or small meal travels well too.

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Catheryn Schoenfarber: I have two favorite snacks for my little guy, home made trail mix and cheese sticks! Trail mix is great...you get a few containers and stuff them with almonds, raisins, pumpkin seeds, or any other nut or dried fruit that your kiddos like! You can even let them pick so it is exciting, and it is high in protein and in fiber! Healthy and stays fresh for days and days so if you don't finish it you can leave it in the bag!

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Amy Griffin Stewart: My daughters love rice cakes...even though they think they are popcorn cakes (why break their hearts)? and peanut butter to dip in. Add a few apples slices, also for dipping and a pretty healthy and fun snack.

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Beth Zois: My daughter is allergic to peanuts and nuts. So our snack options are a little more limited. Her favorite right now is a "snack tray" with sliced apples, cheese and crackers. Pirate booty is our most popular on the go snack.

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About Our Moms:

Catheryn Schoenfarber: Catie is a mother of two. She teaches Momaste Yoga at Yoga Sakti on Bridge Street.

Beth Zois: Beth and her husband purchased their home in Salem in 2009 and are busy parents, raising their 3-year-old daughter and 1-year-old son. Beth was a computer science teacher at Moses Brown School in Providence, RI, before deciding to be a full-time stay-at-home mom. In her spare time, she designs and creates children's barrettes for her Etsy store, Jane's Ribbons.  

Erin Cyr: is a holistic health practitioner and Mumma to Caedmon (21 months). She loves living in Salem and all that it has to offer for young families. Erin's interests range from holistic and natural parenting to reviewing the places in Salem that cater to moms and families.

Amy Stewart: Amy is a lifelong resident of Salem and the public school system. She has two daughters ages 3 and 1.