Back to School Snacks for Kids
It is hard to believe summer is nearly over! The kids will be back to school before you know it and they?ll likely need some healthful snacks to help keep them focused. We always hear phrases like ?brain food? in the media, but what does that really mean? Can certain foods actually make your children smarter? While science has not uncovered a magical food that increases our IQ, there are certain foods we can eat to help us stay more focused throughout the day. See below for some nutrition tips to help your children get the most out of their school day.
Whole Grains - Eating whole grains provides your children with essential vitamins, minerals, fiber and slow-burning carbohydrates to keep them focused. Nobody can pay attention to algebra with a grumbling stomach! Slow burning carbohydrates and fiber help your children stay fuller longer and promote satiety. On the flip side, sending your kids to school with refined white flour snacks may cause an energy crash! Keeping your pantry stocked with easy, whole grain snack options like SUNCHIPS? Veggie Harvest can prevent this afternoon crash and help your child power through their day. SUNCHIPS? Veggie Harvest are a veggie and whole grain snack containing 13 whole grains per 1-oz serving and yellow peas as the first ingredient. They contain no artificial flavors or preservatives and also contain 30% less fat than regular potato chips.
Healthy Fats - Incorporating healthy fats into your child?s afternoon snack may help them succeed in the classroom. Fats are known to promote satiety, and healthy fats such as omega-3 fatty acids may aid brain function. It is important to note that fat contains more than twice as many calories per gram than carbohydrates and protein, so be mindful of portion size. A simple trick is to pair foods rich in healthy fats with a less energy dense food. Some example pairings might include guacamole with SUNCHIPS? Veggie Harvest Farmhouse Ranch Flavored Veggie & Whole Grain Snacks, peanut butter with whole wheat crackers or walnuts with apples.
Fun Food - There is no sense packing healthy snacks if your child does not find them exciting enough to eat! Make snack time fun by choosing more healthful versions of popular snacks or creating fun food shapes. Use a small cookie cutter to cut little stars out of low sodium Swiss cheese and pair with SUNCHIPS? Veggie Harvest Tomato, Basil & Cheese Flavored Veggie & Whole Grain Snacks for an adorable and healthful snack any time of day!
Author: Amanda Musin, RDN, LD - Registered Dietitian for The Little Clinic
