Contrary to common perception, snacking is actually essential for your child. Snack time, as part of daily diet routine, helps fulfil your child’s basic energy and nutrient needs to optimize growth potential.
Here are some fascinating facts we often overlook. Younger children have smaller stomachs and thus, do not eat large portions at one sitting. Their naturally active tendencies lead to shorter mealtimes. So, snacks help them meet their nutrition requirements for growth. Orchestrated carefully, snacks can be value-added nutritional complements to your child’s main meals
The American Academy of Pediatrics and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recommend that younger children eat three meals and at least two snacks a day.1,2
For picky eaters, snack time presents opportunities for your child to explore the new flavors and textures you craft into the menu. Start small, offer minute portions of winning choices. Then, add on new items. Don’t pressure your child to taste or eat new foods immediately. Encourage exploration through the sense of sight, smell, touch and taste. Allow your child to describe the experience to get an insight into your child’s thoughts and feelings so you can improve the next eating experience. Keep on trying as it sometimes takes 10 – 15 attempts before a child may eat new foods.
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References:
1. Right From the Start: ABCs of Good Nutrition for Young Children (Copyright © 2012 American Academy of Pediatrics)
2. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Jan 2021. Title: When Should My Kids Snack?. Accessed 10 Jan 2022. https://www.eatright.org/food/nutrition/dietary-guidelines-and-myplate/when-should-my-kids-snack