Snacks are beneficial to children, promoting good nutrition, encouraging lifelong healthful habits and preventing debilitating or deadly diseases. Snacks are especially crucial for children because they are still growing, and healthful snacking at school can lead to better nutrition during foundational years and increased energy and ability to focus.
Healthy snack choices can provide children with some of the vitamins, minerals, proteins, and calories they need for growth, energy, and overall good health. In fact, healthy snacks can satisfy nutrient gaps and provide up to one quarter of a child's daily energy needs . Healthy snacking satisfies hunger between meals, improves concentration, and prevents overeating at mealtime.
Snacking is important for children because they have smaller stomachs than adults and cannot necessarily eat enough to stay full in one meal or sitting. They should be able to snack every three to four hours over the course of the day. Snacking throughout the day not only ensures kids stay full, it also helps them learn healthy eating habits, like eating appropriate amounts and only when they're hungry. Small, healthy snacks throughout the day prevent patterns of boredom eating, or eating based on emotional factors.
Children need to be able to refuel throughout the day to maintain energy and focus on academics, and that's where snacking comes in. It's crucial these snacks be health-conscious, as studies show that in states where laws require schools to sell only snacks that meet certain nutrition requirements children gain less weight as they get older. Children may also need to fill in certain nutrient gaps left by meals. Healthy snacks also boost energy, while sugary treats and other junk food can lead to a quick crash and overeating at the next meal.
You probably know how sluggish and sleepy you can get when you haven't eaten in several hours. The same is true for kids in school. If they eat breakfast early in the morning, they may not make it to lunchtime without dragging and getting tired. The same is true in the hours between lunch and the end of the school day. A nutritious snack gives your child the energy he needs to play at recess, participate in gym and pay attention in the classroom.
Kids need a wide range of nutrients to help them grow and develop normally. Adding a snack or two to your child's lunchbox helps ensure that he's getting adequate amounts of each. This includes vitamins A and C, protein, carbohydrates, fiber, calcium and iron. Relying solely on meals to cover his needs might leave your child lacking, particularly if he only eats small amounts at one sitting. Snacks can provide about one-fourth of your child's daily nutrient and calorie needs, note Julie M. Martinez and Karla P. Shelnutt with the University of Florida Cooperative Extension Service. Forgetting to send a snack to school on a regular basis could mean your child isn't getting what he needs for good overall health.
Weight Management Contrary to popular belief, snacking does not derail weight loss goals when healthy choices are made and portion control is used. In fact, according to MayoClinic.com, healthy snacking helps manage hunger and reduces bingeing at meal times. Include daily healthy snacks between meals to keep blood sugar levels stable and maintain energy levels. Healthy low calorie options include a piece of fruit, fresh vegetables alone or with hummus or yogurt based dips, and whole-grain crackers or pretzels.
Children ages 1 to 18 require increased calories and nutrients per pound of body weight as compared to adults to meet physical needs related to growth, development and repair. School-aged children need approximately 1,600 to 2,500 calories daily. Boys may need as many as 2,500 to 3,000 calories per day as they enter puberty. Girls tend to need fewer calories than boys; regardless of gender, very active kids need more calories. Snacks are a great way to meet this increased need. Make snacks interesting for preschool- and school-aged children with dips, food art, smoothies and cookie cutters to cut cheese, veggies and sandwiches into fun shapes. High school-aged kids will need portable snacks, especially if involved in after-school sporting activities. Wholesome granola bars, string cheese, trail mix or fruit are additional options.
Healthy snack choices can provide children with some of the vitamins, minerals, proteins, and calories they need for growth, energy, and overall good health. In fact, healthy snacks can satisfy nutrient gaps and provide up to one quarter of a child's daily energy needs . Healthy snacking satisfies hunger between meals, improves concentration, and prevents overeating at mealtime.
Snacking is important for children because they have smaller stomachs than adults and cannot necessarily eat enough to stay full in one meal or sitting. They should be able to snack every three to four hours over the course of the day. Snacking throughout the day not only ensures kids stay full, it also helps them learn healthy eating habits, like eating appropriate amounts and only when they're hungry. Small, healthy snacks throughout the day prevent patterns of boredom eating, or eating based on emotional factors.
Children need to be able to refuel throughout the day to maintain energy and focus on academics, and that's where snacking comes in. It's crucial these snacks be health-conscious, as studies show that in states where laws require schools to sell only snacks that meet certain nutrition requirements children gain less weight as they get older. Children may also need to fill in certain nutrient gaps left by meals. Healthy snacks also boost energy, while sugary treats and other junk food can lead to a quick crash and overeating at the next meal.
You probably know how sluggish and sleepy you can get when you haven't eaten in several hours. The same is true for kids in school. If they eat breakfast early in the morning, they may not make it to lunchtime without dragging and getting tired. The same is true in the hours between lunch and the end of the school day. A nutritious snack gives your child the energy he needs to play at recess, participate in gym and pay attention in the classroom.
Kids need a wide range of nutrients to help them grow and develop normally. Adding a snack or two to your child's lunchbox helps ensure that he's getting adequate amounts of each. This includes vitamins A and C, protein, carbohydrates, fiber, calcium and iron. Relying solely on meals to cover his needs might leave your child lacking, particularly if he only eats small amounts at one sitting. Snacks can provide about one-fourth of your child's daily nutrient and calorie needs, note Julie M. Martinez and Karla P. Shelnutt with the University of Florida Cooperative Extension Service. Forgetting to send a snack to school on a regular basis could mean your child isn't getting what he needs for good overall health.
Weight Management Contrary to popular belief, snacking does not derail weight loss goals when healthy choices are made and portion control is used. In fact, according to MayoClinic.com, healthy snacking helps manage hunger and reduces bingeing at meal times. Include daily healthy snacks between meals to keep blood sugar levels stable and maintain energy levels. Healthy low calorie options include a piece of fruit, fresh vegetables alone or with hummus or yogurt based dips, and whole-grain crackers or pretzels.
Children ages 1 to 18 require increased calories and nutrients per pound of body weight as compared to adults to meet physical needs related to growth, development and repair. School-aged children need approximately 1,600 to 2,500 calories daily. Boys may need as many as 2,500 to 3,000 calories per day as they enter puberty. Girls tend to need fewer calories than boys; regardless of gender, very active kids need more calories. Snacks are a great way to meet this increased need. Make snacks interesting for preschool- and school-aged children with dips, food art, smoothies and cookie cutters to cut cheese, veggies and sandwiches into fun shapes. High school-aged kids will need portable snacks, especially if involved in after-school sporting activities. Wholesome granola bars, string cheese, trail mix or fruit are additional options.
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