The Importance of Healthy Snacks for Kids
Kids like to eat snacks. They are typically tasty, and do not require much time to prepare and consume. However, not all snacks are equal. Because some kids eat junk snacks of poor nutritional value, it is important to ensure that your child gets a healthy snack. Indeed, there are many reasons why a healthy snack matters.
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Purpose
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The purpose of a snack is to provide the nutrients your child needs when traditional food is not available. A home-cooked dinner always is better than a snack. Alternatively, your child can use the school cafeteria, where all meals must be approved by the school administration and local regulatory bodies, such as the school district. Still, it is better to eat a snack than go hungry. If a snack is needed, ensure it is a healthy one.
Disease Risk
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Healthy snacks are not called healthy for nothing. Healthy snacks typically are low in fats, artificial flavors and sugar, and high in vegetables and natural ingredients. This helps prevent obesity in children, which appears to be a 21st century epidemic in America. In the U.S., about one out of five kids is overweight. Obesity can lead to an increased incidence of type 2 diabetes, as well as a rise in cholesterol and blood pressure, which are risk factors for heart disease, and an increased likelihood of sleep apnea, an interrupted breathing while sleeping. In addition, obese kids often suffer orthopedic problems, liver disease and asthma.
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Culture of Healthy Eating
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Healthy snacks should be a part of your children's healthy diet. There simply is no point in preparing healthy snacks for your kid if, when he comes back home after school, the refrigerator is full of unhealthy foods, such as carbonated soft drinks and candies. However, if the healthy snacks are used to complement healthy eating, then they serve a purpose to accustom the child to the habit of healthy eating.
Examples of Healthy Snacks
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Healthy snacks are no worse, in taste and appearance, than junk snacks. Use whole grain breads to provide the basis of the snack. If you want to use meat, ensure it is not too fat. Also, add some fresh vegetables, such as tomato and cucumber slices, and leaves of lettuce. Make juice, milk or pure water your drink of choice.
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References
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