ne of the best ways to keep kids busy during the winter months is by having them help in the kitchen. However, parents should continue to keep nutrition in mind, says Glenys Phillips, director of clinical nutrition at Children’s Medical Center of Dallas.

“Children should eat three meals a day and one afternoon snack. If it is not mealtime, parents should occupy kids with fun activities and games, not food and television,” Phillips says.

Of course, keeping safety in mind, here are a few snacks the whole family can help prepare and enjoy:

Rice Cake Stackers
Rice cakes stacked with bananas make great afternoon snacks.

Tasty Trail Mix
Combine equal amounts of raisins, dried dates, unsalted pretzels and your child’s favorite reduced-sugar cereal (whole-grain cereal, for example regular Cheerios, regular corn flakes, Rice Krispies, Special K or Chex brand cereal).

Slushies Aren’t Just for Summer
In a blender, combine half 100 percent fruit juice and half water with unthawed, unsweetened frozen fruit. Pour into fun cups.

Dip Sticks
Take a variety of celery, carrots and cucumbers. Clean vegetables thoroughly. Pour a small amount of light or fat-free salad dressing into an unbreakable container and dip vegetables.

Mud and Crackers
Low-fat graham crackers dipped in chocolate pudding make for a wonderful snack. For added variety, try vanilla or other flavors of pudding.

An Apple a Day...
Serve applesauce with a sprinkle of cinnamon and nutmeg and two teaspoons of dried fruit.