Kid Snacks - Presentation is Everything

We have a portion of counter space in our kitchen that is jammed with fresh fruit. There's a pineapple, a bowl full of pears and a bunch of bananas (once they ripen a bit, we'll throw them in the fridge where their skin might brown but the yummy goodness stays fresh). Pears are my oldest boy's favorite. He can eat several in a row -- mostly at night, when he'll do anything to secure a later bedtime. My little guy: Banana and peanut butter for him. Why these two picks -- pears and bananas? Probably because the stuff is right at eye level. They see it; they want it.

Kids are always on the hunt for snacks, says the American Dietetic Association team. So why not lure them into begging for something healthy? Here's how you can do it in your house.

• Keep fresh fruit on the counter where kids can see it.
• Wash and cut up vegetables ahead of time so they're ready to eat.
• Store the good stuff in see-through containers or clear plastic bags so kids can see what's inside.
• Put nutrient-rich foods where they can be easily reached, on lower shelves in the refrigerator, pantry or cabinet.
• Keep cookies and chips on higher shelves where they can't be reached. Even better: Don't buy them at all.

What's your strategy for sneaking nutritious bites into your kids' bellies?