So now that you've helped your child recognize what not to eat, how about providing some good alternatives for those after-school snacks? Consider your child's tastes when suggesting nutritious yet tasty and appealing snack foods. Try to make choices that are high in fiber and protein and low in fat. If she's a French fry fanatic, try substituting baked sweet-potato wedges. Chocolate peanut-butter cup fans may go for sliced fresh fruit topped with a dollop of peanut butter. Here are a few more sensible snack ideas:

• If they like jellied “fruit” snacks, try raisins or dehydrated fruit mixes — but check the label for added sugars.

• If they like chips and onion dip, try raw veggie sticks and low-fat ranch dressing, or low-fat popcorn.

• If they like cheese curls or fat-filled cheese crackers, try low-fat cheese sticks.

• If they like Popsicles, try 100 percent frozen fruit juice bars or frozen fresh fruits.

• If they like ice cream, try low-fat fruit-flavored yogurt in frozen or unfrozen varieties.

Get creative, and don't be afraid to try new ideas. Buying in small quantities will ensure minimum waste if the snack is a dud. Let your kids brainstorm new noshing choices, and involve them in the mixing, slicing, and dicing when appropriate. Chances are your child will like the healthier choices just as much, if not more, than the high-fat, high-sugar original.