Milk and cookies, Nacho cheese and chips, or pop and a candy bar. While these may sound like great snacks to children, they are high in calories and don’t offer the nutrition growing kids need.
Nutritious snacking can help your child curb hunger throughout the day, as well as provide energy and important nutrients. Rather than offering high-sugar and high-fat snacks, substitute foods that will improve memory and concentration, promote healthy bone growth and help maintain a healthy weight.
For healthy snacks, think fruit and vegetables, whole grains and low-fat. Pair veggies with dips such as cottage cheese, salsa, guacamole or hummus. For fruit, there are many fresh and dried options as well as canned fruit in its own juice or light syrup. For grains, choose whole wheat bread and low-fat crackers.
For healthy snack ideas, go to:
http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/childrens-health/in-depth/childrens-health/art-20044350
http://www.eatright.org/Public/content.aspx?id=6442474560
http://www.webmd.com/parenting/features/healthy-snacks-for-kids
Check out the online health assessment tool called Family Health Manager at www.riverwoodhealthcare.org Family Health Manager is an interactive tool that offers you personalized health and wellness options. At no cost, anyone can learn their health score, connect to local resources and create goals in support of healthy living. You can also understand and track key numbers important for overall health. Family Health Manager provides actionable steps to maximize health in key areas such as well-being, activity, sleep, nutrition and pain management. To get started, go to https://health.riverwoodhealthcare.org/fhm
Looking for wellness information? Visit the wellness page on Riverwood’s website. This is a one-stop source of information on both Riverwood wellness resources, such as services and education, and Community wellness resources with info on classes, programs, recreational opportunities and more.