Smart Snacking for Kids

Snacking makes sense for children. Younger children have small stomachs that can hold only a small amount of food at one time, yet they need enough calories for growing and playing. Snacks can provide calories and some choices can add nutrition, providing important vitamins and minerals. Older children need calories, vitamins, and minerals to grow and to fuel their activities. They’re likely running to and from activities with school and friends, so snacks have to be quick and easy, as well as nutritious. Here are some snacking tips for feeding kids:

• Pack a portable snack on days that you and your toddler or preschooler are busy with friends and activities. When it is time for a break, sit down with your child to help them relax and focus on their snack. Choose foods that are easy to bring along (breakfast cereal, animal crackers, fruit, cheese slices) and cut them into bite-size pieces for easy eating.

   

• Use snack time to fill in food groups that may have been missed at mealtime. For example, if your child didn’t drink milk at lunch, serve yogurt or cheese slices for a snack.

   

• Include foods from at least two food groups at snack time. Here are some great ideas when you’re snacking at home:
  1. Cereal (Bread Group) with lowfat milk (Milk Group),
  2. A smoothie with yogurt (Milk Group) and strawberries or a banana (Fruit Group),
  3. Vegetable soup (Vegetable Group) and whole grain crackers (Bread Group).

      

• Older kids often feel hungry when they get home from school. Stock up on fixings for quick-to-make snacks, like fruit, Fig Newtons, bagels, bread, tortillas, cheese, peanut butter and ready-to-eat raw veggies.

   

• Consider designating a snack shelf in the pantry and refrigerator. Stock your shelves with pre-portioned snack foods, such as Nabisco 100-Calorie Packs.

   

• Put a serving of non-perishable snack foods in your child’s backpack if he or she has sports or other activities immediately after school. Here are some ideas to get you started: Fig Newtons, Teddy Grahams, a cereal bar, Planters trail mix, fresh or dried fruit,a peanut butter sandwich, a chilled juice or milk box.