Healthy Snacking Benefits in Children

Recent reports have shown that healthy snacking in children has several benefits. Snacks are essential for children as they need good nutrition. Nutrition promotes growth and development, and helps in building stronger immune system. It also increases energy and the ability to focus.

But snacking doesn’t mean consuming junk food. Snacking has to be on fruits, veggies, whole grains and low-fat dairy products. Such snacks also help in filling the nutrition gap which is sometimes left by meals. Healthy beverages include low-fat milk, water, soy drinks and 100 percent fruit juices. Junk foods are high in fat and sugar. Both make children lethargic and dull. On the other hand, healthy snacks boost energy and increase concentration.

Why is snacking so important in children? Unlike adults, children have smaller stomachs. They cannot have huge amounts in meals to fulfil their appetite. That is why it is crucial for them to eat in smaller portions after every three to four hours. This also prevents them in indulging in eating out of boredom or emotions.

Thus, snacking has various health benefits. It is important for parents to help children in developing a taste for healthy snacks.

Content: http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/benefits-children-eating-snacks-during-school-4999.html

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