On Track Snacks

Some say adults should eat lots of little meals, they call it grazing. Kids however; need a little more structure to their diets. Too much “grazing” on snack foods typically results in unhealthy eating habits at meal times. The problem is snack foods are just so convenient these days that it’s easier to reach for the nearest bag, rather than making a whiny kid wait it out ’til the next meal. In the end, the line gets blurred between meals and snacks and suddenly your kids are filling up on crackers rather than eating the nutritionally sound meal you meant to serve. Does this sound familiar?

All day snacking can quickly become an unhealthy life-long habit. Nip it in the bud by creating one substantial snack-time (not in front of the TV) with healthier choices that sustain your kids for longer. Keep processed food to a minimum in favor of those filled with proteins, complex carbs and vitamins, which will give your kids more energy to hit the jungle gym, instead of the couch.

Want to satisfy a sweet tooth? Try stirring raisins, dates and other dried fruits into a bowl of quinoa. Savory grains like Village Harvest “Un” Fried Rice are also really quick, easy and kid-friendly. If you have a few more minutes, get into the kitchen with your kids and teach them how to make a wholesome snack of their own. Chop up leftover vegetable and meats and stir them into a bowl of whole grains. If they can pour their own cereal in the a.m., they can prepare their own Village Harvest concoction after school.

 

More in :: Kids' Health