Snacks

Snacks are an important part of a child’s diet, but portion size and snack choice is important. 

The following tips should help you to make sensible choices for your child. 

• Children have high energy needs and generally require 3 meals plus 2-3 snacks per day.
• Think of snacks as mini-meals, rather than a chance for foods that are high in fat, salt and sugar.
• Remember portion size is important – children have only small tummies.
• Aim for a balance with fruit, vegetables, dairy foods, carbohydrates and protein – and also think of colour and texture.
• Sit down for snacks just as you would for a meal, avoid “grazing”.
• Do not use food as a reward or for comfort.
• Avoid getting into the habit of giving sweets, chocolates, crisps on a     regular basis. 
• Teach healthy habits from an early age – be a good example yourself. 
• Make food fun!
  
  

Remember to watch young children at snack time and cut grapes, cherry tomatoes, etc., lengthwise or quartered to avoid choking. See photograph below…

Simple snack ideas

Get your children involved in preparing snacks and meals if possible – it’s a great way to help them learn more about food! Some simple and easy-to-make snack ideas include….

• Chopped up fruit
• Cheese cubes
• Pear crisps*
• Breadsticks or raw vegetable sticks with a hummus dip
• Oatcakes with cheese and apple
• Toast with avocado
• Rice cakes with peanut butter and banana
• Mini sandwiches*
• Fruit kebabs with a yogurt dip*
• Mini muffins*
• Cereal and milk
• Cereal bars*
• Banana dippers*
• Nutty crackers*
• Banana pancakes*

Recipes marked with * can be found on the Parent Club website.

Let’s get cooking at home is another great place for recipe ideas and tips.