Fruits are one of the most nutrient dense foods available. Fruits are a goldmine of vitamins, minerals and fiber. Getting children to eat fruits is easy because they are bright in color and taste great. Fruits are available all season long and they are relatively inexpensive. Ideally children should consume at least 4-5 servings of fruit per day.

Since fruit in its natural form contains a lot of water it is easier for the body of a child to digest. Providing a fun meal that included fruit and cheese on a stick will get kids on the right track.

You can allow your child to choose the fruits that they like on their mini fruit and cheese snack. Making the fruit bobs is a fun time for children. Some of the fruits that you may want to choose for the mini "fruit bobs" are listed below:

Apples are a great source of vitamins. Apples also have a lot of fiber. Apples are rich in vitamins A, C, E and folate. Apples are available in green, red or yellow skin when ripe. Apples can help in the reduction of colon cancer, prostate cancer and lung cancer. They also help with heart disease, weight loss and controlling cholesterol.

Bananas are a good source of fiber, potassium, vitamins A, C, B6, E and folate. Folate support red blood cell production and help prevent anemia. Folates also support cell production, especially in your skin Allow nerves to function properly

Cherries either red or black in color contain important anthocyanins that reduce pain & inflammation. Anthocyanins are antioxidant flavonoids that protect many body systems. They have some of the strongest physiological effects of any plant compounds

Kiwis offer a rich source of vitamins A, C, E, B - complex, calcium, iron and folic acid. The skin is a good source of flavonoid antioxidants. Flavanoids help keep blood vessels elastic.

Oranges contain vitamin C and immune protecting flavanoids. Oranges provides pectin and are rich in sodium when ripened in sunshine.

Strawberries are actually one of the richest sources of vitamin C and fiber. With a high content of sodium and iron, strawberries are a favorite with kids. Strawberries, with their rich red color, help in whitening of the teeth.

Watermelons are high in mineral content and vitamins and iron.

Of course, these fruits are not the only choices for the "Fruit bobs”. Just make sure these delightful snacks contain rich color and texture.

Fruit Bobs Recipe

Ingredients:

*Any Fruit that can be threaded on a small wooded skewer

*Cheese cut into 1/2-inch chunks

*Wood skewers

Instructions:

*The fruit and cheese should be on separate trays for easy layering.

*Other fruits that are color and fun to eat like pineapple chunks, mandarin orange slices add vivid color to the skewer

*Large Chunks of cheddar cheese or other favorite cheese can be added for flavor

You can thread the fruit on the skewers or allow the children to do it depending on their age. Smaller children can just point to the fruits they like. These little "fruit bobs" can also be made into "veggie bobs" with some hearty vegetables like cherry tomatoes, pitted olives and cheese. You can put these snacks in the refrigerator in accessible locations so that kids can reach them.