When are snacks served?

* Teachers often serve snacks in the classroom in the afternoon

* After school programs and daycare centers

* After sports related activities

Healthy snack ideas.

Fruit Salad made with assorted fresh fruits, topped with flavored yogurt

Cheese and Apple kabobs make with chunks of cheese and apple slices

Vegetable Pizza made with chopped vegetables and cream cheese

Peanut butter and yogurt dips served with fresh vegetables

Fruit juice popsicles, or frozen ice cubes made of fruit juiced

Vegetable Pita Pockets or Soft Shell Tacos

Rice Cakes

Popcorn

Homemade Trail Mix made with Chex Mix

Dairy products should be low-fat or fat-free. Serve small portions and add a fruit or vegetable to the serving.

Serve Whole Wheat grain products that are low in fat and sugar, refined grains like pretzels should be served less often.

Fruit juices should be 100% Fruit Juice and limited to 6 ounces each day, for 1 - 6 year olds, and 12 ounces each day, for 7 - 18 year olds. Try to avoid high fructose and sugar fruit drinks.

Snack time is a very import part of your child's diet.  They may have not eaten well at breakfast or at lunch time. Healthy snacks provide the extra nutrients they missed. It is important to remember that you want the snack to be healthy, and in smaller portions. You do not want to overload them with too many calories, but yet make sure they have eaten enough to provide the energy they need. I always like to provide two food items when I am planning snacks.

When you are planning snacks for your children allow enough time between the main meal and snack time. We don't want to spoil their appetites at regular meal times.