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- Healthy Summer Snacking
Kids are officially home for the summer! According to the CDC, obesity rates have more than doubled in children and quadrupled in adolescents over the past 30 years. Various studies have shown that the rate of weight gain in children tends to double during the off-months and decrease or return to normal during the school year. A lot of this weight gain can be contributed to summer snacking and lack of physical activity.
During the summer months kids are usually at home throughout the day searching for something to snack on. Summer snacks in a typical home usually consist of cookies, chips, and candy. Instead of the usual snacks, try offering healthier alternatives to your kids. Here are a few ideas that are sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.
Make sure your kids are getting proper nutrition while they are home during the summer. Try nutritionally dense foods that will keep your kids full longer, like offering an apple instead of applesauce. Snacking on sweets should not become a habit. Offering delicious options will help making healthier choices easier. Keep healthy snacks out and available in your kitchen and make sure fruits and vegetables have visual appeal. Kids are also more likely to select foods that are pre-portioned for them.
If you are able to use these tips this summer, your kids will be much more energetic this summer, as well as healthier for the upcoming school year. For more healthy snacking ideas, visit LSUAgCenter.com.
The LSU AgCenter and the LSU College of Agriculture