Comments on: Is Your Kid a “Good” or “Bad” Snacker?

By: Jill @ Healthy Kiddo Snacks

Jill @ Healthy Kiddo Snacks — Sat, 27 Aug 2011 18:10:07 +0000

As you can probably tell by my websites name, I’m a big believer in snacking. But I totally agree with your post, all too often parents resort to processed, empty calorie snacks like crackers and cookies because they’re individually packaged and convenient. But snacks are a great place to fill in gaps in the food groups. We do a lot of fruit or veggie snacks because it can be hard to hit that 5+ a day target with only 3 meals. That’s especially relevant with kids, who have small stomachs and thus can’t eat a huge meals like an adult can (though we probably shouldn’t!)
Thanks!

By: Weekly Meal Plan: Monday November 29th

Weekly Meal Plan: Monday November 29th — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 15:18:10 +0000

[...] my post Is Your Kid a Good or Bad Snacker? I talk about the positive role snacks play in the diets of children. When timed appropriately and [...]

By: Snacks are Mini Meals « The Mommy Archives

Snacks are Mini Meals « The Mommy Archives — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 18:43:20 +0000

[...] recently wrote a post about children and snacking Is Your Kid a “Good” or “Bad” Snacker?. I have found that I am doing great with planning healthy meals for Jackson, but I often forget [...]

By: Andreea

Andreea — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 03:21:43 +0000

I totally agree with this. I’m guilty of letting my son open the pantry and snack whenever he wants (healthy snacks, of course). We do bring snacks when we go out for a longer period of time so we’re not caught having to go to the deli and buy something unhealthy.

By: Liz - Meal Makeover Mom

Liz - Meal Makeover Mom — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 21:30:39 +0000

I’m amazed by today’s use of the word, “snack” and its association to refined, starchy foods. In the case of school lunch, our town’s food service vendor sells “snacks” a la carte. And those so -called snacks — which they consider healthy because they are low fat — provide very little nutrition. Though I don’t object to an occasional snack of baked tortilla chips, what I do object to, in the case of school lunch, is the fact that kids eat the chips along with their pizza and chocolate milk lunch .. and nothing more. So before you know it, it’s 3pm and the student hasn’t consumed a single fruit or veggie during the day.
I’d love to see a move away from refined, starchy “snacks” and a new direction toward fruits, veggies, lean protein foods and whole grains.

By: Maryann Tomovich Jacobsen, MS, RD

Maryann Tomovich Jacobsen, MS, RD — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 21:54:00 +0000

Cecily, we are on the same schedule over here. Snack before heading out. I no longer arm myself with tons of snacks although I usually carry a banana or something in my purse just in case. I agree that it’s hard when the snacks are everywhere you go. Sometimes I let this go but I often will tell Anna no eating after 4pm so she has an appetite for dinner. I have the feeling David will eat more when he’s her age because he already eats as much as an adult does! Is it just boys or what?

By: Cecily

Cecily — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 17:14:31 +0000

I definitely agree that many children are snacking all day then surprise, surprise, their parents complain they are picky eaters at mealtimes. Snack time is a set part of the schedule in our house. Morning snack is right before we leave the house for our morning activity and afternoon snack is directly after nap, before we do anything in the afternoon. That way I know they are not hungry when we are out and about. I like them to build up an appetite for their meals. I am ok with them feeling hungry, as long as I know they got their snack. What really irks me is when all the other moms have snacks galore and my kiddos are offered them (how can I say no?) and then get full before dinner. This doesn’t matter so much with my son who eats like a horse, but with my daughter it can mean she doesn’t want her dinner. I have to take great care that she feels hunger before her meals so she has the desire to eat. A bowlful of goldfish crackers while harmless enough, will mean she won’t eat her carefully planned dinner! With her, a good snack is also an important chance to add some other nutrient to her teeny tiny food consumption.

By: Maryann Tomovich Jacobsen, MS, RD

Maryann Tomovich Jacobsen, MS, RD — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 16:58:04 +0000

Thanks Trish! I totally agree. Knowing your kids get well balanced mini-meals takes the pressure off what they eat at other meal times. I have found my 3-year old daughter gets enough to eat with frequent meals throughout the day. She doesn’t eat much at dinner but she never complains of hunger before bed so I’m not worried.

By: Trish

Trish — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 12:58:47 +0000

I just discovered your excellent blog! I’m diving into the archives with special interest in your section on meal planning. Thanks so much for this resource.

My six year olds are sitting here eating breakfast and quick poll revealed their favorite snacks are: apples, pears and edamame, fiber fruit bars (Trader Joe’s), turkey jerkey, dried mango and….Girl Scout cookies!

I like thinking of snacks as mini-meals. Then it doesn’t put so much pressure on eating dinner…hey if they don’t love the mahi-mahi, at least you know they had something else healthy for a late afternoon snack.