When your child gets the munchies, be prepared to offer a quick and healthy fix. Snacking is a major passtime for many children, so much so that nearly one-fourth of childrens daily energy intake comes from nibbling between meals.

Much of this snacking is on prepackaged snack foods, which are high in calories low in nutrients. The popularity of these fattening treats may be responsible for the countries childhood obesity problems. Snacks are essential, young children need them. Their stomachs are small, so they often can’t get the nutrients they need in a day through meals alone. They need smaller portions of food more often. Provide variety, select snacks from a variety of food groups, don’t serve the same repeatedly, they will get bored. Be creative, dress up fruits and vegetables for maximum appeal. Teaching your children to make healthy snack choices today will reap your family a lifetime of benefits. Don’t expect your childs habits to change overnight but look for positive changes over weeks and months. But don’t forget, you are the role model!
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