Breakfast and Snacks, Toddler Style

Breakfast is a must!

Breakfast replenishes energy lost by the body during a whole night of fasting. This is why it is called "breakfast."

School-aged children will eat breakfast regularly if they get into the habit when they are younger. The breakfast habit is more easily acquired if it is part of the regular household routine.

A good breakfast includes one food from at least three of the four food groups. Here are some examples of balanced breakfasts:

• Banana
• Smooth peanut butter on whole-grain bread
• Glass of milk

Or:

• Orange
• Hot cereal
• Small cheese cubes

Snacks... kids need ‘em!

Children are active and growing. Therefore, they have high energy needs! Their small stomachs get full fast. For this reason, they need to eat more frequently than adults—about every two to three hours. Snacks are like mini-meals that help provide the extra energy and nutrients children need.

Snacks do not replace meals

Keep in mind that snacks complement meals and do not replace them. Foods with less nutrients, such as chips and soft drinks, should be kept for occasional treats. In addition to paying attention to their contents and variety, snacks should be planned within a regular routine so that they are served halfway between meals. The afternoon snack is particularly important in that it literally helps the child last until supper.

Offer variety

Offering a variety of foods means getting a supply of a variety of nutrients. If you change the snacking menu daily, there is less risk of serving sugary and sticky snacks to often, which may lead to tooth decay.

A few examples of foods to choose

• A snack should include foods from two different food groups, for example, firm cheese and whole-grain crackers, banana and milk, hummus and pita bread.
• According to several studies, vegetables, fruits and milk products are the least consumed foods, making them a great choice for snack time!
• Firm cheese is one of the most effective foods for preventing tooth decay. The best is to chew it well and eat it immediately following a meal or snack.