The keys to smart snacking for healthy children include storing snacks where your family can see them; making snacks easy to grab and go; and great taste!
Follow these tips for healthy snacks:
- Offer a variety of healthy foods, including fresh fruits and vegetables, at planned times throughout the day. Let children choose whether and how much they eat.
- Wash and cut up fruits and veggies so they are ready to eat. Have your child help you place fruits and veggies into containers or bags, so they are easy to see!
- Buy food in single-serve containers for grab-and-go eating, such as juice boxes, raisins, fruit cups, and baby carrots.
- Walk your children through the kitchen and show them where you keep healthy snack foods. Put healthy snack foods where children can reach them, such as the lower shelves in your refrigerator, pantry, or cabinets. Keep fresh fruit, such as bananas and apples, on the counter where children can see them.
- Ask your child what snack foods from each food group he or she would like to eat, and purchase those foods so they are available. Children are more likely to eat foods that they are able to choose.
- Use clear containers and plastic bags or containers covered with plastic wrap, so your family can see what snack foods are inside.
For a list of healthy snack ideas for kids, visit:
https://5210.psu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/b2_8healthykidssnacks7-11-17.pdf