Home Snack Rules

Studies looking at long term eating patterns of children show that snack foods account for up to 27% of the daily caloric intake of children ages 2-18. Most children in the US consume more sugar than is healthy. Many snack foods, including organic, are full of hidden sugars. On average, 19 teaspoons of sugar are consumed per day, while 5 teaspoons are recommended as a limit for kids older than 2. Over 1/3 of US children are now overweight/obese. Sugar in any form cuts the white blood cells ability to trap infections by 50% and this effect can last for 5 hours. Our kiddos are getting sicker and sicker.

More than 40% of school-aged children and adolescents have at least one chronic health condition!

While snacking is not entirely to blame, we do know that overconsumption and undernutrition is one of the major influences on children’s health in the 21st century. It’s important to help children develop healthy snacking habits from a young age.
Aim for three meals that incorporate all the food groups and 2 snacks per day. Kids often want white snack foods such as cookies, crackers, popcorn, etc. These snacks are often carbs laden in sugars which can lead to midday “nautiness” or “hangriness”. To build a healthy snack, combine two powerhouse nutrients: fiber and protein. Having kids eat a snack they can pluck off a tree or pull out of the ground first, along with a protein, leaves little room in their tummy for crackers, cookies, or other less nourishing snacks!