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Home › Articles › Toddler Nutrition › Talking Tummies

Talking Tummies

What Does Hungry Feel Like?

By Teri Brown

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"When hunger does occur, offer healthy snacks – fruits, vegetables and whole grains," O'Shea says. "Offering cookies, chips, candy, etc., may ultimately lead to more reports of 'hunger' if that is the usual snack provided."

Drink vs. Snack

Patricia Rose, a pediatric certified specialist dietitian at Doernbecher's Children's Hospital in Portland, Ore., says that parents should also watch out for thirst being misinterpreted as hunger. "Hunger is often mistaken for thirst," Rose says. "The best thirst quencher is water. Avoid calorie-containing drinks like juices or sweetened drinks for hydration."

If we think the child may be thirsty instead of hungry, offer a glass of water instead and send them off to play. If they come back with another request for food then they are probably truly hungry.

Most nutritionists advocate offering children meals or snacks on a regular schedule, but parents should let the children themselves make the decision on how much they eat. This will help them be in tune to their own body's nutritional needs and promote a lifetime of healthy eating habits.

4 Tummy-taming Snack Ideas

"A good snack is one that is nutrient dense so each and every bite contributes to a child's intake of healthy foods," says Peggy O'Shea. "You can begin involving your child in healthy food planning by offering a variety of nutritious options and letting them choose, and involving kids in preparation of foods makes them more interested and excited about eating them."

While you can't go wrong with a simple piece of fresh fruit, here are some additional creative and healthy suggestions:

  • Cracker sandwiches – Layer whole grain or graham crackers with natural peanut butter and sliced banana or apple.
  • Yogurt "sundaes" – Top low-fat yogurt with fruit and crunchy whole-grain cereal.
  • Dried fruits and nuts – GORP (good 'ole raisins and peanuts) are great, but try adding a little variety with soy nuts, dried cranberries, dried blueberries, dried apple rings or dried carrots. The combinations are endless – and don't forget this snack travels well!
  • Fruit smoothies – Blend together a banana, skim milk and a few frozen strawberries for a refreshing treat. Feel free to substitute your favorite fruits for new flavor options!


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