This means that each bite contributes to the child's intake of healthy foods. To plan ahead for quick and easy snacks, keep foods on hand from each of the five food groups found on the Food Guide Pyramid. Breads, cereals and grains provide carbohydrates, B vitamins and fiber. Foods in this group fuel growth and provide children with energy to run and play. Both the fruit and vegetable groups provide vitamins such as A and C, carbohydrates and fiber.
Snack time is a great time to slip in a fruit or vegetable serving.
Milk and dairy foods provide calcium, riboflavin, protein, and vitamins A and D. Meats, fish, poultry, nuts and dried cooked beans provide protein. Meats, fish and poultry also provide iron. Mix and match the nutrients at snack time by teaching your children to choose snacks that feature foods from at least two different levels of the food pyramid. And, strive for a variety in nutrients. For example, a snack of carrot and celery sticks and yogurt contains more nutritional variety than a snack of apple juice and celery sticks.