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While meals make up the majority of a child's nutritional intake, most children eat at least one snack per day. ā£BUT many of the most commonly offered kids' snacks tend to be of lower nutritional value than meals š
Snacks still can support your child's overall healthy eating plan. ā£
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Here's how:
1. Use snack time to increase fruit & vegetable intake āļøš
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Most kids do not eat the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables. Snack times offer a great opportunity to increase access and exposure to these nutrient-dense foods.
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2. Keep a range of healthy foods at home šš„¦
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It is much easier to make easy, healthy snacks when you keep a few key items stocked at home. Ideas include different types of raw vegetables and fruit, yoghurt dip, hummus, & cheese sticks. ā£
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3. Avoid processed foods and added sugars š āāļøš”
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Processed foods (made in a factory and sold in bags and boxes) do not have many nutrients and often have a lot of added sugar and salt. In addition, children may become hungry faster after eating processed foods. ā£
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4. Teach your children to eat a rainbow š
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Arrange your children's foods to show the beauty of fresh, brightly coloured foods. Talk about the farms where food comes from & the farmers who help grow it. ā£