Heathy+Snacking+(Linda+Share)

TEACHING AND LEARNING
 * FIESTA 2

CHOOSING HEALTHY SNACKS FOR KIDS**

Snacking is important for you to stay healthy. You have high energy and nutrient needs, but your stomachs are small. You often can't and don't get all the vitamins and minerals you need at meal time. When you get too hungry you may lose energy, become cranky or find it difficult to concentrate.




 * What makes a good snack?**

A good snack contains nutrients that your body needs. These nutrients are protein, vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, water and fat.

//Protein// helps to build strong muscles!!

//Fat// is vital for our bodies to grow and develop properly. It is possible to eat too much fat. Try to keep fat to 25% - 35% of any meal or snack.

//Carbohydrates// are the main source of engery for your body.

//Vitamins and Minerals// are essential for your body to work properly. Each one helps your body in a different way. It is important to get a wide variety of vitamins and minerals.

//Water// is extremely important for your body. Your body and your brain are made mostly of water. Water helps your body perform a lots of important jobs.

So, which snack choices are best? The snacks that give you lots of important nutrients!!


 * Are these snacks good choices?**


 * NOT GREAT CHOICES** These snacks are not the best choices. Snacks like cookies, candy, chips and chocolate are filled with calories and sugar, and they have very little or no nutrients. These types of snacks will not provide your body with the energy it needs. These snacks are fine to have occasionally, but limit these snacks to a few times a week.


 * Are these snacks healthy?**


 * GETTING BETTER** These snacks are a better choice than candy, chips and chocolate. Pretzels and goldfish crackers have some nutrients and don't contain a lot of sugar. Crackers can be a good snack, but choose crackers made with whole grain. Whole grains are a great source of good carbohydrates.


 * Is fruit a good snack choice?**


 * YES!** Fruit makes a terrific snack. Fruits are full of vitamins, minerals and water. Eat a variety of fruits, because different kinds of fruit have different kinds of nutrients.


 * Are these snacks good snacks?**


 * YES!** Yogurt, pudding and cheese provide calcium to help make your bones strong! They also contain protein and other important vitamins and minerals.


 * Are these snacks good snacks?**


 * YES!** Peanut butter and nuts have lots of protein. They are also a good source of healthy types of fat. Be careful not to eat large portions of nuts. Even though they are healthy they are high in calories. A few teaspoons is a perfect portion of nuts or peanut butter.


 * Does popcorn make a good snack?**


 * YES!** Air popped or light microwave popcorn can be a great snack. Popcorn has lots of fiber! Just don't add too much butter!


 * What about vegatables?**


 * YES!** Vegatables make a very healthy snack. They are full of lots of different vitamins. Try raw vegatables dipped in ranch dressing. Yum!


 * Is cereal a good snack?**


 * YES!** Cereal is also a great snack. Have your cereal with low fat or skim milk for even more nutrients.

The next time you are hungry and have the urge for a snack think of these healthy options. These delicious snacks will give your body the nutrients it needs to help you grow strong, and you will have lots of energy.





Now let's see what Cookie Monster has to say about it !

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To learn more about healthy snacks try these websites ...

http://www.kidshealth.org/kid/stay_healthy/food/vitamin.html

http://www.webmd.com/parenting/features/boosting-5-vital-nutrients-kids-need

http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/columncc/cc980827.html

http://www.pcrm.org/health/veginfo/snacks.html