Let’s Snack!

Healthy Kids’ Treats Don’t Have to Be Boring

Snacking is a major pastime for many kids – and that’s not necessarily bad. Nutritious snacking can help your child curb hunger throughout the day, as well as provide energy and important nutrients. Some tips:

• Keep junk food out of the house. Your child won’t clamor for cookies, candy bars or chips if you don’t keep them on hand. Set a good example by choosing healthy snacks yourself.
• Go for the grain. Whole-grain foods – such as whole-grain pretzels or tortillas and high-fiber, whole-grain cereals – provide energy with some staying power.
• Mix and match. Serve baby carrots or other raw veggies with fat-free ranch dressing or hummus. Dip Graham cracker sticks or fresh fruit in fat-free yogurt. Spread peanut butter on celery, apples or bananas.

–Source: Mayo Clinic