Abilene Crave

Sometimes it seems like kids can never get enough to eat. Since they're growing at such a fast rate, snacking can be an important part of that growth.  But it's important to help them choose the right snacks that give them the nutrients they need for their development and the protein they need to stay fueled and energized.

How do you get them to eat more substantial snacks?

• Kids are more likely to eat what they help prepare, so let them choose ingredients and be a part of the process.
• Stock the pantry and freezer with smart snacks that are quick to prepare when the kids and their friends arrive home from school or after-school activities.
• Have fruits and veggies washed and ready to eat in grab-and-go baggies.
• Provide choices from all five food groups to help them get balanced nutrition.

Keep several options on hand that will satisfy through dinnertime. One such option is protein-packed Tyson(r) Any'tizers(r) snacks. The new Any'tizers varieties with Sauce and Stir(tm) sauce packets include Chicken Breast Chunks with General Tso Sauce, Chicken Breast Chunks with Spicy Sweet & Sour Sauce, Crispy Breaded Wings with Citrus Fire Sauce and Crispy Breaded Wings with General Tso Sauce.

Available in the grocer's frozen food section, the new Any'tizers varieties are made with the highest quality chicken and contain two sauce packets to customize the snacks with as little or as much sauce as desired. They are ready in minutes, hot from the oven or microwave, for a bold and easy-to-prepare option that's sure to satisfy any snacking occasion.

Here are some additional quick and easy snack solutions for kids of all ages:

• Whole-grain pita triangles dipped in low-fat flavored hummus
• Banana popsicles: spread peanut butter onto peeled, halved bananas. Push a popsicle stick into cut end of banana, then roll in chopped nuts or crispy rice cereal and freeze for 3 hours
• Whole-wheat pretzels with spicy mustard
• Healthy juice pops - freeze unsweetened, 100-percent fruit juice in popsicle molds or ice cube trays

For more information, visit www.tyson.com.