Snacking on a Rainbow

Snacks are essential for both kids and adults to meet nutritional needs for growth & development (kids) and to maintain a healthy weight (adults). Snacks are also a great time to add an extra serving (or two) of colorful foods, which brings us back to the theme of NNM 2011 "Eat Right with Colors". Here are a few delicious snacks that all pack a coloful punch! When snacking, go for the "layered look" and include a fruit or vegetable with a protein (can be meat, nuts, beans, dairy, etc). Enjoy

-carrots or bell peppers with hummus
-apple or banana with nut butter (peanut, almond, cashew, sunflower or soy)
-cherry tomatoes with lowfat cheese
-avocado with whole wheat crackers
-smoothie (frozn berries with nonfat milk or yogurt)
-dried fruit (apricots or prunes) with a small handful of almonds

If you have any great "layered snacks" that you love please let me know!

It's Snack Time

After school is a really important time for a nutritious snack for many reasons. Many kids have not had anything to eat for 3-4 hours and need to refuel; many kids participate in sports after school and this snack helps many kids control their level of hunger at dinner time.

Giving kids a little more control often helps them make better choices. Remember you still choose what to buy!

For young children, offer them a choice of 2 things to help keep choices healthful (for example: do you want crackers and string cheese or yogurt and fruit?)

For older children and teens, make a list of possible snacks and post. When it is snack time, choose one together.

Try pizza! English muffin or mini-bagel pizzas, that is!

Use half of a whole grain English muffin (or one mini whole grain bagel), top with marinara sauce, low fat mozzarella cheese and veggies. Place in and oven at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes or until cheese is bubbly!

This snack is well balanced, contains protein and has 3 food groups- whole grains, dairy, veggies.

Enjoy :)