Fruits, vegetables, cheese and crackers are all healthy snacks.
When it comes to snack time, far too many children are used to sitting down in front of the television with a bag of potato chips or a package of cookies. Unfortunately these types of snacks and snacking habits are not likely to give kids the nutrients that their growing bodies need. Transitioning to eating healthier snacks will help your children to learn good habits and carry them throughout their lives.
Fruits and Vegetables
According to the FDA, fruits and vegetables should make up the majority of a child's diet. Many fresh fruits and vegetables are finger-food friendly, making them the perfect after-school snack. Chopping or slicing fruits and vegetables is quick and easy, making it a great choice for those short on time. Children love fruits and vegetables cut into fun shapes or served with unusual dips. For a change of pace, try dipping fruits in vanilla yogurt or serving chips and salsa as an afternoon snack.
Whole Grains
Many children love to snack on cookies and chips, but the nutritional value of these foods is minimal. Even worse, the sugar in these foods often produces an energy spike and crash that can leave your child grumpy or lethargic. Instead, encourage your children to eat foods that contain whole grains. This could mean whole-grain crackers, tortillas, pretzels or even bagels. Half of a bagel with peanut butter or whole grain crackers topped with cheese will give your child energy without the crash that comes from sugary foods.
Read the Labels
No matter what you are purchasing in the store, you will want to read the labels carefully. Many foods marketed as being low-fat, low-calorie or low-sodium are actually just low in nutrients and high in processed ingredients. Next time you go to the store, try reading the labels on some of your children's favorite snack foods. Note how often you see processed ingredients and how often you see whole grains. Choosing foods containing whole grains and natural ingredients will keep your children healthier than packaged and processed snacks.
Give Kids a Say
If your children are reluctant to transition to healthier snacks, make it a gradual change. Encourage them to try new foods. Together try selecting one new fruit or vegetable to try during snack time. Have your children help prepare the food and choose a dip to accompany it. Children who have a say in snack and meal preparation are more likely to try new foods and more likely to make lasting dietary changes.
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