Smart snacking tips for kids, from the STHS Parenting Center

When making snacks for kids, why not turn it into a project and let them lend a hand? (Stock photo)

March is National Nutrition Month, and the experts at the St. Tammany Parenting Center are marking the occasion with a series of advice columns to help parents most effectively meet their children’s nutritional needs.

Today’s topic: snacking.

Snacks can play an important role in meeting kids’ nutrient needs. Choosing a variety of foods from all of the food groups will give them the energy they need between meals.

It helps to plan and portion out snacks in advance. Kids will usually need only two or three snacks daily, and these should be provided at least one to two hours before meals.

It is recommended that snacks (and meals) be eaten in an area without distractions, so avoid providing snacks to your child while he or she is watching TV or using other electronic devices.

Better yet, let the kids help prepare the healthy snacks.

Here are a few easy, tasty and healthy snacks to help you get started. (Note: Adults may need to help with some of these._

Portion sizes for kids are smaller than adults. However, certain foods due to their size pose a choking risk, especially for young children.

See below for a list of foods that may cause choking:

The St. Tammany Parenting Center is providing these tips in cooperation with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Learn more about the Parenting Center at https://www.sttammany.health/parentingcenter and find more healthy eating tips at eatright.org and kidseatright.org.