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3 Healthy Snacks For School Age Kids |
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Written by Darlyn Burkle
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The chances are that when your kids get home from school, the
first thing they want is something to eat. After a long day at
school, it is understandable that they crave something to give
them a little energy. It is natural for them to go for something
sweet and sugary, but a healthy alternative could make a big
difference to how much energy they have, and how they feel.
As a busy parent, it can be hard to find the time to prepare an
enjoyable snack for your children, and the abundance of
processed snacks, and sugary cookies and cereal bars can be
tempting as something to tide them over until tea time. These
suggestions should help you find something nutritious, tasty,
and easy to prepare for them.
Healthy Snacks For School Age Kids #1: Veggies
Try keeping a supply of cut up vegetables in a tub in the
fridge -
carrots, peppers, and celery are good options - they can be
eaten raw, and if served pre-sliced and with a dip they are
quick and easy finger food. Use low fat dips to keep it nice and
healthy.
Healthy Snacks For School Age Kids #2: Fruits
Fruit is another great snack for kids after school. Keeping
apples,
pears, strawberries, peaches, and plums stocked in your
refrigerator will give your kids the opportunity to eat these
healthy snacks. When you get home from the store, wash your
fruit immediately and put it in a bowl where your kids can have
easy access to it.
Healthy Snacks For School Age Kids #3: Natural Snacks
There are lots of natural, healthy snacks that many children
enjoy - try popcorn - but without too much salt, or some
unsalted nuts. Dried fruits are often more appealing for some
children than normal fruits too. You could also serve up natural
yogurts (perhaps with a little fruit added), or some low fat
cheese. Offer milk to drink at snack times too - a growing body
needs lots of calcium.
Whatever you serve up at snack time, try to avoid foods with
added preservatives and colorings. Avoid sugary and fatty foods
too. If your children really dislike the taste of fruits and
vegetables, try letting them dip slices in peanut butter, this
will give them a more palatable flavor without adding unhealthy
calories.
It can be difficult to persuade a child to eat healthy foods
when there are so many sugary snacks being marketed to children
on television. Try to educate your child about healthy eating,
without lecturing them. Get them interested in a sport, then
they may become interested in nutrition. Teach them about
advertising too, so that they learn that the products being
marketed are not always as good as the advertisements make them
appear.
If you can get your child started with healthy eating habits at
a young age, then the habits will stay with them for life.
About the Author:
Looking for more great ideas and tips for healthy snacks for
school age kids? Let us
help you incorporate a
Daily Healthy Eating Plan into your
busy,
hectic life.
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