Top 10 tips for healthier snacking
Here’s our top ten tip for those who love to snack! Let’s look at a healthier way…
- Save time by slicing veggies
Store sliced vegetables in the refrigerator and serve with dips like hummus or low-calorie dressing.
- Mix it up
For older school-age kids, mix dried fruit, unsalted nuts, and popcorn in a snack-size bag for a quick trail mix. Blend plain fat-free or low-fat yogurt with 100% fruit juice and frozen peaches for a tasty smoothie.
- Grab a glass of milk
A cup of low-fat or fat-free milk or milk alternative (soy milk) is an easy way to drink a healthy snack.
- Go for great whole grains
Offer whole-wheat breads, popcorn, and whole-oat cereals that are high in fibre and low in added sugars, saturated fat, and sodium. Limit refined-grain products such as snack bars, cakes, and sweetened cereals.
- Nibble on lean protein
Choose lean protein foods such as low-sodium deli meats or unsalted nuts. Wrap sliced, low-sodium deli turkey around an apple wedge. Store hard-cooked (boiled) eggs in the refrigerator for kids to enjoy any time.
- Keep an eye on the size
Snacks shouldn’t replace a meal, so look for ways to help your kids understand how much is enough. Store snack-size bags in the cupboard and use them to control serving sizes.
- Fruits are quick and easy
Fresh, frozen, dried, or canned fruits can be easy “grab-and-go” options that need little preparation. Offer whole fruit and limit the amount of 100% juice served.
- Consider convenience
A single-serving container of low-fat or fat-free yogurt or individually wrapped string cheese can be just enough for a snack.
- Swap out the sugar
Keep healthier foods handy so kids avoid cookies, pastries, or candies between meals.
- Make your own
Try making your own energy bars, with less sugar and a lot cheaper