Expert Q&A

	By Peggy O'Shea Kochenbach Registered Dietitian

Can snacks be a positive part of my child's diet?

Yes. Snacks can be a positive part of your child's daily nutrition. In fact, if your child is hungry all the time it is probably because growing children need a lot of calories, but are unable to eat enough at one meal to sustain them until the next mealtime. But make sure your children aren't snacking on foods that contain extra fat, calories sugar and salt. Instead, choose snacks that will help them meet daily requirements of vitamins, minerals, protein and fiber.

Here are some suggestions:

• fresh fruit
• yogurt "sundaes"
• whole-grain crackers
• cut vegetables (as long as they are not for toddlers, as raw vegetables can be a choking hazard)
• fruit juice pops
• low-fat cheese cubes
• low-sugar cereals
• peanut butter with crackers

Overall, remember to offer things that you will feel good about your child eating – whether it's at meal or snack time.

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