Asian Journal- The Filipino-American Community Newspaper

Active kids with so much energy need as much nutrition as they could get. Nowadays, having three full meals a day seem inadequate for their active lifestyles. Many children still fall short on meeting their dietary needs for vitamins and minerals. Because they are growing and have a fast metabolism, eating snacks in between meals play an important part in their nutritional diet.

According to a survey done by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), twice as many kids today eat snack foods as compared to kids 20 years ago. However, parents should beware of what their kids eat. These days, groceries and supermarkets are filled with pre-packed instant snacks and junk foods that lack nutritional value. Do not just allow your kids eat unhealthy snacks that are high in sugar and simply adds up calories; except of course on occasional treats. Give them fresh and healthier options instead and always keep in mind the four food groups namely fruits, vegetables, grains and legumes.

The American Dietetic Association gave us 25 healthy-nutrition packed snacks for kids:

1. Peel a banana and deep it in yogurt. Roll in crushed cereal and freeze.

2. Spread celery sticks with peanut butter or low-fat cream cheese. Top with raisins.

3. Stuff a whole-grain pita pocket with ricotta cheese and apple slices. Add a dash of cinnamon.

4. Mix together ready-to-eat cereal, dried fruit and nuts in a sandwich bag of an on-the-go snack.

5. Smear a scoop of frozen yogurt on two graham crackers and add sliced banana to make a yummy sandwich.

6. Top low-fat vanilla yogurt with crunchy granola and sprinkle with blueberries.

7. Microwave a small baked potato. Top with reduced-fat cheddar cheese and salsa.

8. Make snack kabobs. Put cubes of low-fat cheese and grapes on pretzel sticks.

9. Toast a whole grain waffle and top with low-fat yogurt and sliced peaches.