Miller County - Family and Consumer Science
Healthy Snacks Make Healthy Kids
Choosing and Preparing Healthy Snacks
 Printer Friendly
(PDF)
This presentation utilizes materials from the
Food Guide Pyramid for Young Children.
Agent: Children's snacks should fit into the bottom 3 levels of
the Food Guide Pyramid. (Direct audiences' attention to visual). The Food
Guide Pyramid shows how we can make healthy snack choices following the Dietary
Guidelines for Americans.
Each of the food groups provide some, but not all, of the nutrients our
children need daily. No one-food group is more important than the other, with
the exception of the tip, which we need to help our children to l learn to
consume only in moderation due to the high calorie content and minimal vitamin
and minerals available.
Discussion: Have audience suggest snack ideas from all the food
groups on the Food Guide Pyramid. Discuss. Mention those foods that may cause
chocking in children and how they can be offered; if we can change the way they
are presented.
Agent: Children's snacks should be designed to complement their
daily nutrient intake. (Can anyone tell me why we offer snacks to our children?)
Discuss why, as well as the importance of child size servings.
Agent: Our snacks should be planned according to the Food Guide
Pyramid. Stock up on simple foods that kids love such as peanut butter; cheese
spread or slices; miniature bagels; fresh vegetables and fruits; non-sugar
coated ready to eat cereals; and low sugar cookies, such as ginger snaps, and
fig bars.
Agent: If we involve our children in the preparation of snacks,
chances are they might be more willing to try those foods that they haven't been
interested in before. Children as young as two can assist you in snack
preparation. (Refer participants to the handout, “Helping Children Prepare
Healthy Snacks and discuss.)
Agent: By introducing children to healthy snacks now, you are
helping to provide a solid foundation of healthy nutrition for later life.
Agent: We have stations set up around the room with healthy
snacks you and the children in your care can prepare. At the station you will
find all the ingredients you will need, as well as, utensils, and directions.
Please visit all the stations, enjoy your snack and we will discuss the snacks
at the end of the preparation time.
Discussion: Ask open-ended questions concerning the snacks
prepared. Did they like them? Why or why not? Would their children like them?
Can their children help make them? Etc.
Back to Healthy Snacks Make Healthy Kids
|
