Why Kids Need Healthy Snacks for School
Today more children snack on foods that contain sugar, fat and salt. This has lead to some serious health problems in young children, such as high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity. Since snacking is such an important part of a child's diet, it is important to make sure the snacks he eats are healthy ones. Healthy snacks will satisfy the appetite and give the child the needed nutrients in her diet for optimum growth Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
-
Significance
-
Snacking can be a way to make sure children are getting the necessary nutrients in their diets. It is a way to curb the appetite and prevent overeating. Children have small stomachs that cannot handle large portions. Busy families often do not have time for three meals a day, so snacks supplement any missed meals. Many children who snack do not eat healthy foods. Eating healthier snacks can help ensure that children are getting the needed vitamins and minerals on a daily basis.
Function
-
Healthful snacks means following some of the same guidelines that the Food Pyramid set forth. There are many healthy snack options in some of the different categories of fruits, vegetables, grains and low-fat dairy products. Healthy snacks keep kids' energy levels high and help them to lose weight, too. Foods with too much sugar, such as candy bars, soda and baked goods, should not be regular daily snacks. When shopping, read labels for fat, sugar and salt content on snack foods. Strive to give your child a variety of healthy snacks to keep his interest in eating them.
-
Types
-
There are many different types of healthy snacks you can prepare for children. Peanut butter sandwiches on whole wheat bread are one example. Low-fat yogurt mixed with fruit makes a very tasty treat. Popcorn without butter, nuts, dried fruit and seeds in small quantities are another option. Vegetables sticks with low-calorie dressing or dips are enjoyable snacks. Or, try fruit sliced and combined with low-fat cheese, such as apple slices and cheddar cheese or apple slices with peanut butter. Whole grain crackers or pita bread with turkey or tuna salad is another great snack idea. Even whole grain tortilla chips with salsa or a bagel with low-fat cream cheese is an occasional snack to enjoy. Include plenty of fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole grain breads and low-fat dairy products in the snacks you serve. Flavored rice cakes, pretzels and healthy low-fat cereals make excellent snacks, too.
Features
-
When shopping, make a list of snacks to buy. If your children come with you, give them a snack ahead of time, so they will not want to buy everything they see. Give children small portions and allow a second. Package some snacks ahead in small plastic bags to have ready when they're feeling hungry. Sprinkle sliced fruit with lemon juice to keep it from browning and add a great flavor. Preparing healthy snacks in advance is good planning. Make your own granola mix with dried fruit, nuts, popcorn and low-fat cereal. Read serving sizes on prepared snacks before buying.
Considerations
-
Many prepared snacks found on the supermarket shelf contain trans fats that are bad for your cholesterol. When you think about purchasing a snack food, check the label to see what the trans fat level is. These are industrial fats often found in cookies, crackers, baked goods and breads. Avoid any products that have partially hydrogenated vegetable oil as this ingredient. The closer it is to the top of the list, the more the product contains. The American Heart Association recommends limiting trans fats to about 10 percent of all calories consumed daily. Many fruit snacks are made with corn syrup and little fruit. Check labels for vitamins, minerals and fruit juice percentages before buying. If you decide to buy them anyway, eat fruit snacks in moderation
-
