Sure you want to be healthy for your family, but it’s important to get your family into the spirit as well. Of course, almost every red blooded American kid will go straight for the junk food when given the chance, but that doesn’t mean snacking can’t be nutritious. Offer your kids after school snacks that will fill them up, without tons of saturated fats and cholesterol. Keep in mind, if they like the taste, even something healthy just may be considered a treat.

Want something truly simple? Set out a kid’s antipasto or what I like to call a “Mediterranean trail mix” with California Ripe Olives, Cherry tomato halves, Mozzarella cubes and pasta spirals. Rather than sitting in front of the TV with salty snacks, your kids can pop into the kitchen for a handful of healthful treats. Better yet, set out a tray in your backyard and encourage them to pick between innings…Not while running around, of course!

A treat for the tiny tots?

Toss some sliced California Ripe Olives right onto your toddler’s highchair tray and watch as he puts his pincer grasp to work. Oh, baby, we’re talking fun for the whole family.

How about making snack time into an activity? Throw together some smiling pizzas.

Smiling English Muffin Pizza

• English Muffin
• Lowfat cream cheese
• Pizza sauce
• California Black Ripe Olives, sliced

Split and toast an English muffin, spread with cream cheese and pizza sauce. Dot with sliced olives into faces or shapes.