Snack vs. Treat

 

What is the difference between a snack and a treat? Did you know there even was a difference? There is actually a big difference! Hint: A snack should be healthy.

 

What is a snack? Snack are very important. Kids need to have at least two snacks a day to keep their energy levels up, and to help complete their balanced diet. Good times for a child to have a snack are mid morning (between breakfast and lunch) and mid afternoon (between lunch and dinner). Snacks should be something healthy - which means high in nutritional value.

 

What is a treat? Treats are not healthy (love nutirional value) and can actually make a child feel tired or low on energy. Treats should be rare and not used as an everyday snack. What should you try to avoid? Sugar - High-fructose corn syrup (especially if it is one of the first three ingredients), foods that are high in trans fat or saturated fat such as partially-hydrogenated oils (source of trans fat), and anything with ingredients that have more than three syllables (these foods are too processed). 

 

Healthy snack ideas: Healthy snacks are easy to come by. Fruit, yogurt, cut up veggies, popcorn, pretzels, string cheese, just to name a few! It is important to encourage kids to have healthy habits and starting early is key. Help your kids practice healthy snacking instead of treating. Check out some of our Healthy Kids - Healthy Snacks links under the HEALTHY SNACKS tab for MANY more healthy snack ideas!