Did you know that children participate in more than 1000 snack times throughout their lives? Have you ever thought about the foods that are served during snack time?

Snack time is a great time to squeeze in a nutritious foods and FLIPANY is working with childcare center directors, teachers and parents on the “Transforming our Community’s Health” TOUCH initiative. FLIPANY’s Registered Dietitians Jewel Porter and Brandi Thompson help parents and schools provide valuable resources in order for children to attain a quality filled, healthy lifestyle. The TOUCH standards provide guidance to help families lead a healthier life. This week we will focus on snack time standards.

Snack time should include:

1. Fresh vegetables and fresh, frozen-thawed or canned (no-sugar added) fruit.

2. Whole grain snacks should be served instead of refined flour snacks

3. High sugar and high fat foods such as cookies, cakes, candy and ice cream should be avoided. These foods are considered nutrient poor and should be substituted for healthy options such as whole fruits, cut up vegetables, applesauce (no sugar added), low fat yogurts, 2% cheese sticks, pretzels, goldfish, popcorn without butter and graham crackers.

Snack time is a great time to teach children about food preparation and healthy foods that should be included in a healthy diet. Using MyPlate activities as well as reading “The Bernstein Bears and Too much Junk Food” are great resources to help get the conversation started about a healthy lifestyle.

Squeeze in simple snacks and enjoy a sensationally healthy day!