healthy snacks for toddlers

To get the energy and nutrients that will satisfy the needs of their organism ( and curiosity !) Growing, toddlers should eat three meals and two to three healthy snacks per day , the most important being breakfast .

Breakfast in the morning? This is important!

Breakfast gives the body the lost during a full night fasting energy, hence the term "lunch».
The schools regularly have lunch if in the habit of doing when he was younger. It will adopt this habit more easily if it is rooted in the customs of the house.
A good breakfast includes food from at least three of the four food groups. Here are some examples of healthy breakfast:

-          Banana
-          Creamy peanut butter on whole grain bread
-          Glass of milk
Or:
-          Orange
-          hot cereal
-          Cheese cubes

Healthy snacks for toddlers ... in need

Children are active and growing. This is why they need a lot of energy! With their small stomachs, they are quickly filled. They are forced to eat more frequently than adults - about every two or three hours.  Snacks are like “mini- meals” that give them extra energy and nutrients they need.

Snacks do not replace meals

Remember that snacks complement but do not replace meals. Foods containing fewer nutrients, such as chips and soft drinks should be limited to special occasions. In addition to the attention that is brought to the composition and variety of snacks, they are also planning within a regular schedule, so that the snack is halfway between meals. Note that the collation of the afternoon is particularly important, since it literally allows the child to hold until dinner.

 Think variety

 Who says a variety of foods also said variety of nutrients? When you prepare a snack, so be sure to choose different foods. Offering a different snack each day, there is less risk that sugary foods and sticky back too often on the menu, which may cause tooth decay.
  

Some examples of foods to preferred

A healthy snack should include foods from two different food groups: cheese and hummus farm whole grain crackers, banana and milk, and pita bread, etc. .

According to several studies, vegetables, fruit and dairy foods are consumed less, then this is a good reason to favor the snack time!

The hard cheese is one of the best foods to prevent the formation of cavities. We especially benefit from eating immediately after a meal or snack and chew well.

7 healthy snacks to prepare in advance

These Healthy snacks Ideas will help you preserve your energy, calm your hunger and resist the temptation of snacks sold in vending machines.

Healthier snacks

There is nothing like a healthy snack in the afternoon to conserve energy and maintain a healthy weight. Sarah Coulson authorized and Nutrition Consultant for Nosh Toronto dietitian advises never stay more than four hours without eating. Thus, the blood sugar level remains high and is less likely to be hungry at mealtime and overeating.
"In terms of snacks, she said, we are like water. We choose the path of least resistance. " Where the reflex , when hunger takes us and we do not plan to taste , turning to snacks vending or ultra- fat muffins coffee corner. The solution is to ensure that the path of least resistance is healthier. In preparing these snacks in advance, you will succeed more easily.

1. Fruit or vegetables and cheese

"The ideal snack should provide 10 grams of protein, carbohydrates and 150 calories," says dietitian Helene Charlebois HC Nutrition Ottawa. She advises to bring in practical containers for individual servings of cheese and pieces of fruit (apple or pear, for example) or, sections of celery spread with cream cheese. Sarah Coulson, meanwhile, advises fill a small container cottage. "The cheese will bring protein while vegetables will provide you with some carbohydrates, she says. It's refreshing and you will not feel like you binge, you’ll simply be satisfied. "

2. Cereal Bar

although the cereal bar is a good source of fuel, those of trade are often loaded with additives and unnecessary sugars. It is best to make your own. Michelle Best, director of Living Well Nutrition advises opting for whole ingredients, such as oats, nuts, seeds and dried fruit; you bind them together with honey. «Make it good amounts, wrap them individually and put them in the freezer, she recommends. You simply take a bar checking out. «Choose olive oil or nuts, which also provide you with omega -3 oil.

3. Boiled egg

Rich in protein, egg is an excellent taste, especially when combined with vegetables. Especially that there is nothing easier to prepare in advance: make cooking more on Sunday and you'll get the week. To brighten the thing, Sarah Coulson advises chopping hardboiled egg with half an avocado and a dollop of salsa, where you'll enjoy a ready, low calorie and high fat useful for the heart.

4. Vegetables and dip

during the weekend, prepare a good amount of bean dip, you’ll have all week. Hummus or similar dips are a good energy source and are therefore suitable for any taste of the afternoon. Put in a single container and bring some whole wheat crackers, pita a tip, or, baby carrots, celery sticks or strips of red pepper.

5. Fruit, yogurt and muesli

If you prefer sweets, bring a container of plain yogurt (Greek yogurt is a little more protein) and fruit, such as antioxidant-rich blueberries. «I add frozen berries in my yogurt, which keeps it fresh until I get to work," says Michelle Meilleur. If you fancy a bit of crunch, add, just before leaving, muesli, preferably homemade and made with wholesome ingredients.

6. Chips and salsa

enhance your afternoon taking a sample based homemade salsa and pita chips. "You can prepare with tomatoes, garlic, onion and pepper, or any other ingredient of your choice," says Michelle Meilleur. To maximize your intake of vitamins and antioxidants, try a mango salsa and tomato. Plan to do a fair amount in order to have the whole week. To prepare chips, toast whole wheat pita in the toaster or cook tortillas in the oven.

7. Dried Fruit and Nuts

Although calories, nuts are a good source of protein, healthy fats and antioxidants , in addition, they are easy to transport and are a great snack, especially if mixed with dried (eg , raisins fruit or dried mango ) . To prevent excess, put them in bags of single serving and not make a work. For variety, add to your mix squares high fiber cereals or dried chickpeas, or various mixtures of spices. The possibilities are almost limitless.

more healthy snack ideas soon in my blog