Few of us, children and adults alike, can get through the day without a snack. Just like a car needs gasoline to drive its engine, your body needs food to keep you healthy and energized. Growing children in particular often need more food energy than they can easily consume at a single meal. Eating breakfast, lunch and dinner may not be enough. Nutritious snacks are smart ways to get the nutrients and energy needed to work, play and grow.
Snacks can be part of a healthy diet.
They do not have to be full of calories, fat and sugar to taste good and satisfy that between- meal craving. Small snacks during the day sometimes help prevent overeating at mealtimes too. Emphasize nutritious foods from the Food Guide Pyramid. Try for at least two different food groups in each snack. Make a snack plan with your child.