Teens are getting about 610 calories a day from snacks, compared with about 460 calories a day in 1977. Kids today might be more likely to have French fries and a Coke for a snack, for instance, instead of a cookie and a glass of milk. In fact, childhood obesity is skyrocketing. Snacks can be an important part of a balanced diet, especially for young children, nutritionists say. But for many families, snacks have replaced the three square meals a day because of hectic after-school schedules, early school lunch hours and unpredictable dinner times, experts say.
Teens are getting more of their daily calories from snacks, a new study says.
Nutty Bar, Nacho Doritos, can of Cherry Coke. Chicken Caesar salad, Little Debbie Oatmeal Cream Pie, large mug of root beer. McDonald's ham, egg and cheese bagel, hash browns, medium Diet Coke. Small dish of chocolate peanut butter ice cream. Bagel with American cheese, French fries, can of Diet Coke.