How Much Should My Kids Get for an After School Snack?
My kids are always ready for a snack after school. How big of a snack do they need?
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Growing kids need a couple of small snacks in addition to balanced meals to fuel their growth and development. Try to keep snacks in the 100- to 200-calorie range and time them so they aren’t close to the main meal. Most children (and adults) do not consume enough fruits, vegetables or whole grains. For example, a bananas, apple, carrot sticks with hummus, celery sticks with peanut butter and raisins, or a few whole-grain crackers with salsa are excellent snacks that help fi ll nutrition gaps. Be sure they see you eating (and enjoying) healthful snacks.
Julie Garden-Robinson, Food and Nutrition Specialist
