As parents, we all want to encourage our children to embrace healthy habits that will prepare them for a lifetime of wellness. With childhood obesity continuing to rise, it’s more critical than ever that kids learn to be healthy and consciously make choices that are good for their bodies.
Recent studies have shown that unhealthy snacking habits are one of the primary culprits in childhood obesity. The problem is not so much the “junk snacks” that are prominent in school cafeterias, television commercials, and vending machines as the quantity of snacks consumed. Many children are snacking so frequently that researcher call their behavior “constant eating”.
At the Mediterranean Snack Food Company, we’re watching these trends and working to make snacks that will be part of the solution, not the problem. Teaching healthy living is a long-term process accomplished one snack, sports practice, or meal at a time.
As you teach your kids to make healthy eating choices, don’t forget to remind them of the importance of healthy snacks! Here are some tips:
• Remind your kids to snack only when they feel hungry, not to relieve boredom or stress.
• Keep fresh fruits and vegetables washed and ready to eat so that your kids will reach for them first.
• Allow them to enjoy “treats” such as candy once in a while and include a lesson about proper portion sizes.
• Teach your kids about how the foods they eat affect how their bodies feel and perform in sports and activities.
For a healthy snack you can all enjoy today, dip our Baked Lentil Chips into your favorite hummus or salsa! Check out our Veggie Chips & Straws, Multigrain Chips, and sister Buffalo Nickel Wingers for more natural, low-fat snacks that help you and your family pursue a healthier lifestyle.
