Do children really need to eat snacks between meals?
If so, I need some ideas for healthy snacks that my children will actually eat. A. Young children, especially, need snacks because they often can’t get all the nutrients they need through meals alone. Since nearly 25 percent of children’s energy intake comes from eating between meals, choosing snacks wisely is very important. Unfortunately, the most common snacks are based on packaged foods that are often low in nutrients and high in calories, fat and sugar. Snacks should be planned as a mini-meal and an opportunity to provide vitamins, minerals and other essential nutrients. The key to putting together a healthy snack is to choose a serving of food from at least two different food groups. A snack built around some protein such as low-fat yogurt, cheese, or nut butter, and a whole grain food such as crackers, rice cakes, popcorn, or pita-bread will give your child a snack full of vitamins, minerals, and a boost of energy. Try the following to create some healthy snacks specific to your
