Young children need snacks; they aren’t able to go as long as adults without eating. When they do eat a meal, they can only eat a little at a time. Snacks help them meet their daily caloric and nutritional needs. Now is the time to instill a taste for a variety of foods so your child will be set for a lifetime of healthy eating. Here are some tips for providing healthy snacks:
Avoid offering only options you know your child likes. Pair familiar foods with new foods. Your child will probably repeatedly choose the more familiar food, but he or she will eventually try, and may like, the new one. Children are more receptive than you would expect!
Stock your pantry and fridge with wholesome convenient choices:
- Cheese (slices, cubes, or string cheese)
- Whole grain crackers, breads, mini muffins, dry cereals, and popcorn
- Dried fruits (raisins, apples, apricots, etc.)
- Yogurt, cottage cheese, and kefir (a cultured, creamy yogurt-type drink)
- Shelled sunflower seeds and other nuts
- 100% fruit juice (limit to 4 oz. daily)
- Fresh fruit and vegetables
- Fruit smoothies
- 100% fruit leather (dehydrated fruit puree)
Pay attention to portion size. Many children tend to eat better if they are not overwhelmed with too much food, and children this age don’t need to eat large amounts. Recommended serving sizes for them are actually quite small.
Timing is important. Most young children do well with two or three snacks per day. Try scheduling snacks mid-morning, mid-afternoon, and mid-evening. Space daytime snacks at least an hour or two before the next meal and the evening snack an hour or so before bedtime. Planned snacks are more appropriate than nibbling freely throughout the day.
Healthy, reasonably-sized, and well-timed snacks can ensure that your child is getting enough to eat and help boost his or her intake of essential nutrients. To learn more about building a healthy plate, visit choosemyplate.gov.
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