cupboards, searching for snacks. Should you try to restrict kids between meal eating? Probably not.

Most kids get hungry every three to four hours. Their active, growing bodies need more calories than they can easily consume at mealtimes. If they postpone eating until they are ravenous, they're likely to overeat the "wrong'' foods.

If your children eat wholesome meals and want to snack on a chocolate chip cookie, keep in mind this treat can fit into a well balanced diet. However, if your kids eat snacks instead of nourishing meals, you may need to limit their choices.

Avoid snack battles by buying only the foods you want your children to eat, then let them make their own choices from the healthy snacks you've provided.

Remember -- snacking is not a problem. It's the empty calories we provide our kids that hurts their growing bodies. Here are some snack suggestions for the four o'clock munchies.

Hot air popcorn sprinkled with butter buds or another butter substitute.

Frozen grapes or bananas, especially in the summer.

Low fat carbohydrates preferably starches, provide energy. Try stocking bagels, English muffins, cold cereal, hot cereal, pretzels, low fat crackers, noodle soups, or leftover pasta.

Try making pure juice popsicles, or yogurt layered with juice and frozen. They are both eye pleasing and nutritious.

Sherbert, ice milk and low-fat frozen yogurt are great snacks. Add skim milk or juice and fresh fruit and mix in a blender for a healthier version of a milkshake.

(Provided by the Olympic Club)