3 golden rules for children to have safe snacks
Candy, soft drinks... are always children's favorite foods, with the total amount of sugar they consume being up to 10kg/year. Preventing obesity by controlling sugar intake is not simple at all, especially during snacks.
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Many choices
When it comes to snack time, instead of just putting one dish on the table, prepare a variety for your child to choose from.
In the refrigerator, keep yogurt of all flavors, fresh milk,; in the kitchen cupboard, keep peanuts, raisins, cashews... on the table, keep apples, pears, tangerines, oranges...
Avoid sugary drinks
Carbonated water is definitely not good for your child's health, but vitamin water and canned fruit juices are not as good as you think either.
It is best to give your child plain water at any time of day. If your child wants some flavor, add lemon slices, strawberry pieces, a few drops of peppermint syrup, or a cup of freshly squeezed orange juice.
Don't ban but control
As research has shown, the more you forbid children from eating something, the more they crave it.
In fact, forbidden foods can be incredibly alluring to children, even when the forbidden food is a healthy food like fruit.
An occasional biscuit or chocolate treat does not jeopardise a child's healthy eating habits, as long as it is only 1-2 at a time and only occasionally.
The rule is to keep no sugary foods in the house, avoid giving them to children unless they ask for them, and limit the amount if they ask for them.
Explaining why you should limit your sweets and teaching your child about healthy eating is better than not explaining at all. And remember, each snack is only 100 calories.
Additionally, children learn from their parents if they consistently choose healthy foods.
