Generally, when people think “snacking,” the words “junk food” and “unhealthy” come to mind. Does “healthy” snacking actually exist and, if so, what does it look like?
Unfortunately, many children today are being raised as “junk food junkies.” Fast food, sugary snacks, artificially flavored “fruit” drinks, fried foods…the list of potentially harmful foods goes on and on. Several years ago, a study determined that kids today, especially teenagers, get their daily vegetable requirements by eating French fries and potato chips!
What are some healthy snacks you can serve to your children – ones that are good for them and easy on your time and budget? Well how about…
• Fruits and vegetables – the old standby! Serve with fat-free yogurt and vegetable dips to take advantage of your child’s natural “love for dipping.”
• Whole Grains – these tend to be lower in both fats and sugars and more plentiful in vitamins, minerals and fiber. Good choices include English muffins, crackers, breads, pita, cereal, granola and tortilla chips.
• Turkey roll ups– using real, never processed, turkey.
• Nuts and seeds– best when served in a limited quantity, with fruit, because of their high caloric content.
• Water – and plenty of it. Water is a healthy, non-fat, no-sugar added and free snack that is so much better for your children than sodas and sugary fruit juices.
• Fruit juice– only the ones that say 100% juice on the label, with no added ingredients or sweeteners!
Snacking is supposed to be a means to keep those hunger pains at bay until the next meal. These mini-meals should provide positive nutrition, and when you make snacks fun, children enjoy them more. Bananas or apples with peanut butter, carrots sticks with low-fat dressing, a multi-grain cereal bar – mixing it up is the way to keep it healthy and fun for your children!
