KTK-Nutrition

Snacks – should kids have snacks?   Do snacks ruin a kid’s appetite?   Are snacks healthy?   So often I hear that kids shouldn’t have snacks.   So untrue.   All kids not only should have snacks but actually need snacks.   Kids, especially younger kids, have very small stomachs.   They can’t eat large amounts of food at meals so they get hungry between meals.   USDA sets a meal pattern for child care centers and this meal plan has a morning snack and an afternoon snack.   School-age kids should have an after-school or afternoon snack every day.   But this snack shouldn’t be gorging on junk food.   What are some guidelines for healthy snacks and what are some snacks kids can make for themselves? And, how can you use making snacks to teach some math, colors, shapes? What are some guidelines for healthy snacks for kids? Fruits and vegetables – a great way to get your kids to eat more fruits and veggies is to serve them at snack ...

Do kids need snacks?   Yes, they do.   Kids have small stomachs and should be fed snacks between meals.   Younger kids such as preschoolers need mid-morning and an afternoon snack.   School age kids should have an after school snack.   But this doesn’t mean junk food, fast food, high sugared snacks.   What are some healthier options for snacks for kids?   What are some guidelines to help ensure snacks are healthy choices?       Guidelines   for Healthy Snacks – What are some guidelines for parents to follow when planning snacks for kids?          1.          Serve 2-3   food groups         2.   Choose a protein food– protein foods have “staying power” so the child won’t get as hungry right after the snack + a fiber rich food such as grain, fruit or vegetable a.      ...