Don't Say "Don't Snack"!

by Lisa P | More from this Blogger

06 Oct 2007 06:50 AM

We've all heard it. "Don't snack or you'll ruin your dinner!"

I have to say that I think that one goes right up there on the lame things to say list along with "Make sure you eat everything on your plate".

If you grew up in a family like mine, you heard these two things quite a bit. Then again, if you grew up in a family like mine, you probably could stand to lose some weight.

America's youth is getting fatter and fatter and it needs to stop. Let's stop saying these things to our kids! No, I'm not advocating candy and donuts between meals or just before dinner. What I am advocating a healthy snacking throughout the day.

Active kids need lots of calories and if we keep those calories nutrient dense then we won't need to worry about adding to America's childhood obesity epidemic. Research has shown us that grazing is much healthier than loading up on big meals three times a day so why not consider adding some of these healthy (and tasty) snacks to your next grocery list?

Some healthy snacks to consider for kids (and you):

1. Beef jerky (this is a high protein snack that can help build stronger muscles)

2. String Cheese (this is high in calcium and protein for growing bones and muscles)

3. Low-Fat/Sugar Yogurt (Dannon Light & Fit is low in calories and high in protein, Calcium and Vitamin D)

4. Fresh fruit (High in fiber and vitamin content) Lunchables (No, not the ones with the soft drink and a candy bar, the ones with sliced ham or turkey, cheese and crackers. These are inexpensive and really healthy snacks for anyone)

5. Whole grain crackers with peanut butter (low glycemic carbohydrates for energy and protein for playing muscles)

6. Fresh vegetables (carrort, celery and greenpepper sticks can be great high fiber and high vitamin snacks. Sometimes kids prefer fresh vegetables to cooked ones. Give it a try!)

7. Nuts (Nuts like cashews and macadamia nuts are high in fiber and protein and the fats they provide are quite healthy if taken in small doses. These should be eaten by the handful, not the cupful. Watch serving sizes.)

8. Pretzels (These satisfy a need to crunch without lots of extra sugar.)

9. Most importantly, wean your kids off soda! The regular ones are loaded with sugar and empty calories and even the diet ones have been found to cause weight gain. Start drinking more water and getting your kids to do it too.

Related Links: Diary of an Overweight Mom Forum

Families.com Weight Loss Forum

Learn more about Lisa P

Lisa used to be a freelance writer and Community Manager for Families.com, but she has finally made the jump to novelist.

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Valorie Delp (49340) 06 Oct 2007 08:05 AM

I totally agree. I generally make a vegetarian appetizer (even raw veggies and dip) before I start the actual dinner preparations. I figure if my kids 'spoil dinner' on veggies I really cannot complain too much--right? Oh and you know that they're all in the kitchen at my feet if I don't have a pre-dinner snack! LOL And let's face it--it's hard to cook with 5 kids at your feet!

Lisa P (24013) 06 Oct 2007 11:33 AM

That is a great idea, Valorie! Healthy AND sanity saving!