Fresh Fruit Tops The List For Healthy Snacks

Great News!  As we head into National Nutrition Month, which begins this Friday, a new report shows that Americans are choosing healthier snacks!

According to a report from NPD Group, fresh fruit is now the most popular snack.

Chocolate and potato chips were also snack favorites.  But at least, fresh fruit was #1.  I think we can give ourselves a big hand for that.

• Snack represent 20% of meals eaten.
• More snacks are eaten in the morning than ever before.  Morning snacks had the strongest growth when compared to afternoon and evening snacks.
• The healthier the diet, the more in between snacks were eaten.  But those snacks tended to come from fresh fruit, yogurt and bars.

Snacks are very important for children because of their fast growth state.  They burn a lot of calories and need to refuel their bodies frequently.  

Fresh fruit is just one of the healthy snacks that are great for children.  There are healthy snacks to choose from in each of the food groups.

See a list of healthy snacks ideas for children by food groups.

10 tips from My Plate:

1. Save time by slicing your fruits and vegetables ahead of time
2. Create your own trail mixes with dried fruit, pocorn and salt
3. A glass of milk or soy milk is a satisfying snack
4. Cut up a sandwich made with whole wheat bread into fourths for a tasty snack
5. An ounce or two of protein can really satisfy the tummy.  A handful of nuts or a hard boiled eggs are healthy proteins.
6. Remember the snacks are not meals, so watch the portions.  They should be small.
7. A small cup of nonfat yogurt with fresh fruit is a calcium rich snack
8. Make snacks convenient by having them pre-measured and ready to grab.
9. Avoid sugary snacks in your cupboard.  Out of sight, out of mind.
10. If you are making your own snacks, you can often replace butter or shortening with unsweetened applesauce.  You can also add some whole wheat flour mixed with regular flour.  Small recipe changes don't sacrifice taste but boost the healthy benefits!

More Resources

Back To School Healthy Snacks For The Lunchbox