Making sure your kids eat three meals every day is very important, but what about the snacks in between?
You know that healthy treats are better than the regular pastrami sandwiches or biscuits, but sometimes coming up with appetizing ideas can be difficult. Here are some tricks from your local pediatricians in Dallas that could help you offer your kids healthier and more nutritious snacks.
Always Have Healthy Snacks Readily Available
If you have many healthy snack options stacked in your drawers or refrigerator, your children will most likely reach out for those instead of junk food. Place a basket full of washed fruits in the fridge and make sure your kids know where to look for their snacks.
Use munch times as a way to increase your children’s fresh fruits and veggies intake. Have apple slices, cut up carrots or grapes in single-serving packaging easily available to them.
Place fruits and vegetables in individual containers and don’t go short on variety. Yogurt and low-fat milk served in small bowls are also great options that will help fuel your children between meals. Also, be sure to provide a nutritive balance between carbohydrates, protein, and fats with every meal.
Avoid Processed Foods and Reinforce Healthy Habits
Quit the cookies and chips and fill your pantry with dried fruits, unsalted nuts, corn chips and whole grain cereals. Prepare individual bags of a delicious mix of fruits, nuts, and cereal, and make sure that your kids can find those instead of junk food when the hunger pangs hit.
Watch out for their preferences and remind them that their nutritious snacks are waiting in the fridge. Teach your children what you know about junk food, then increase their exposure to healthy and fresh alternatives. Explain to them why they become hungry faster after eating certain processed foods. Educate them about nutrients and how the added salts and sugars in chips and some cookies mess with their growth.
Choosing a healthy snack regimen for your children will help them have high energy levels while also nurturing their health and strengthening their body.
Eliminating processed foods from your kids’ diet and enforcing better eating habits may seem difficult at first, but they are sure to love their delicious snacks if you get a bit creative with the display.
If you’re out of ideas, then don’t hesitate to look for a friendly and professional pediatrician in Dallas and ask for their help. At Pediatric Associates Dallas, we are happy to answer all your questions and help you make the best choices for your kids.
Sources:
https://www.healthstandnutrition.com/how-to-teach-kids-about-nutrition-and-manage-junk-food/
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/healthy-living/nutrition/Pages/Choosing-Healthy-Snacks-for-Children.aspx
http://www.superkidsnutrition.com/how-to-help-your-kids-choose-healthy-snacks/
