In today's busy world, snacking is part of our daily routine. We enjoy milk and cookies after school, munch carrot and celery sticks while preparing dinner, and reach for a handful of crackers before bed. Snacks are an important source of energy and can provide key nutrients. So it's important to make informed, as well as great-tasting, snack choices.

If you are like most students, you enjoy snacking in your room. Keep the snacks you want to eat on hand. Stock an assortment of breads, crackers, graham snacks, pretzels, breadsticks, rice cakes, and ready-to-eat cereals. You can purchase some veggies ready or almost ready to eat, including carrots and celery. Store a variety of lower-fat cheeses and sandwich fillings, low-fat or nonfat yogurt, skim milk, fruit, and juices in the refrigerator. These choices put the fixings for some wholesome and delicious snacks within easy reach. Many snacks are packed in single-serving containers like "no sugar added" canned fruit.

Many of your favorite snacks can also travel with you. Whether you are heading off to practice, a day of school, a class, work, or a trip, bring along some tasty, protable snacks. You will be prepared when the urge to nibble strikes. Here are a few ideas:

• Pack up a banana and four graham squares.
• Fit a fruit juice box and a bran muffin into a briefcase. Stow a single-serve package of pretzel chips and an orange in a backpack or tote.
• Wrap up a mini-bagel spread with apple butter.
• Store a box of crackers and some small cans of vegetable juice in a desk drawer or locker.
• Carry along a couple of breadsticks for easy munching.

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