The lunch choices available in area school cafeterias are dramatically different than those offered a few decades ago. A range of fatty and high-sodium meals, and junk food void of nutritional value are presented as options to kids every day. Combine that with recent school funding shortages that have cut physical education programs and you can understand why childhood obesity rates are rapidly increasing.
Proper nutrition and regular exercise are very important components in helping ease the burden of weight-related diseases. You can start to improve your child's health by making a few simple changes to their after-school snacks.
Here are some healthy options to keep around the house:
Fresh Fruit: Keep fresh fruit on-hand and ready to eat. The more accessible the food, the more likely your child is to grab and eat it. Keep a bag of sliced apples or pears in the fridge, bananas on the counter or a fresh fruit salad already portioned into individual servings. Your child can easily grab these healthy items as that box of cookies.
Sliced Vegetables: Sliced carrots, radishes or peppers make a great snack when paired with a low-fat dip like hummus or low-fat dressing. Keep a variety of ready-to-eat vegetables in the fridge to ensure your child is getting essential vitamins and minerals. Broccoli, cauliflower, mushrooms, squash and cucumbers are easy to slice and provide a healthier crunch than that bag of chips.
Cheese and Crackers: Create a healthier version of this classic snack by opting for 100% whole-wheat crackers and low-fat cheese. Be sure to prepare the snack for your child to help control portion size.
Pita Chips and Dip: Use pita chips in place of regular tortilla chips to reduce calories and fat. You can buy pita chips at the store or make your own by warming a whole-wheat pita in the oven and cutting it into triangles. Serve it alongside flavored hummus or salsa.
Providing children with nutritional knowledge now can help curb their chances of diet and weight-related issues later in life.
Proper nutrition and regular exercise are very important components in helping ease the burden of weight-related diseases. You can start to improve your child's health by making a few simple changes to their after-school snacks.
Here are some healthy options to keep around the house:
Fresh Fruit: Keep fresh fruit on-hand and ready to eat. The more accessible the food, the more likely your child is to grab and eat it. Keep a bag of sliced apples or pears in the fridge, bananas on the counter or a fresh fruit salad already portioned into individual servings. Your child can easily grab these healthy items as that box of cookies.
Sliced Vegetables: Sliced carrots, radishes or peppers make a great snack when paired with a low-fat dip like hummus or low-fat dressing. Keep a variety of ready-to-eat vegetables in the fridge to ensure your child is getting essential vitamins and minerals. Broccoli, cauliflower, mushrooms, squash and cucumbers are easy to slice and provide a healthier crunch than that bag of chips.
Cheese and Crackers: Create a healthier version of this classic snack by opting for 100% whole-wheat crackers and low-fat cheese. Be sure to prepare the snack for your child to help control portion size.
Pita Chips and Dip: Use pita chips in place of regular tortilla chips to reduce calories and fat. You can buy pita chips at the store or make your own by warming a whole-wheat pita in the oven and cutting it into triangles. Serve it alongside flavored hummus or salsa.
Providing children with nutritional knowledge now can help curb their chances of diet and weight-related issues later in life.
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