Snacking: Just Do It Right!

Snacking: Just Do It Right

Snacking is good for kids. Their growing bodies need many nutrients and it is hard to meet their needs in just three meals. Healthy snacks can help kids control their appetites so they don't overeat at meals.

Some snacks are better for kids than others. Candy, potato chips and soft drinks have lots of extra calories and not much nutrition. It is acceptable to eat these snacks once in a while.

Use the following guidelines to pick a quick and healthy snack:

1. Make sure the snack has more than one food group to make it more nutritious
2. Look for ways to cut fat and sugar. Example: low fat, rather than whole milk; or a whole grain bagel instead of a donut.
3. Include a vegetable, fruit or food made with whole grains.

Here are some healthy snack ideas:
Low-fat popcorn with a string cheese
Granola bar and a fruit
Carrots with low-fat dip and whole grain crackers,
Fruit and yogurt smoothie
Peanut butter on an apple
Cheese quesadilla with salsa*

*contributed by Lisa Spooner, RD, LD SMDC Health System