Healthy choices
RECESS time is not just about playing with your friends; it’s also about refuelling yourselves with nutritious snacks. Instead of reaching for sugary treats that can make you feel sluggish later on, let’s explore some tasty alternatives that will keep you energised and focused throughout the day.
Malaysia is blessed with an abundance of tropical fruits that make fantastic recess snacks. Bite into juicy slices of mango, papaya, or pineapple to get a burst of natural sweetness and a boost of vitamins. Or how about some tangy slices of guava for a refreshing twist?
Swap out regular chips for whole grain crackers or rice cakes. These crunchy snacks are high in fibre and complex carbohydrates, which means they will keep us feeling full and satisfied until lunchtime.
Nuts and seeds are super snacks loaded with protein, healthy fats, and fibre. Pack a small handful of sunflower seeds, peanuts, or pumpkin seeds to enjoy during recess. They’ll give us the energy boost you need to keep playing and learning.
If you want something more filling, try nasi lemak, comprising coconut rice served with spicy sambal, crispy anchovies, roasted peanuts, and a hardboiled egg. It is a flavourful and filling snack that will keep you satisfied until the next mealtime.
Remember, it’s important to stay hydrated too! Don’t forget to bring along a bottle of water to sip on throughout the day.
So let’s make smart snack choices and fuel our bodies for fun and learning.
Recently Starchild asked readers to send in letters on the topic, Recess Snacks. Here’s what they had to say.
“My mother usually gives me food for recess. My favourites are hot dog cheese bun, green or purple grapes, and nuts such as almond or pecan. Sometimes, I bring a bun or a pastry. For beverage, I always only drink water but sometimes I buy something to drink from the canteen,” says Macke Lau Jae Yun,
eight.
“I bring packed food for recess. I may get a bun, waffle, curry puff or muffin along with some fruit. Nothing too heavy as my recess time is very short. I share my food with my friends and in turn, I may get some rice crackers or Vitagen from them,” writes eight-year-old Bethany Wang Qi Syuen.
Younger sibling Asher Wang Qi Chuen, six, enjoys doughnuts during recess. “They are sweet and tasty. For drinks, I enjoy Vitagen, Yakult or Pepsi. I am always happy to share my treats with my friends.”
“The recess treat that I would like is a
Mcdonald’s meal, fries and a can of Coke. It’s because I always see my friends eating scrumptious food. At times, I share my simple recess snack consisting of bread with my friend because he likes it. Every day, I eat bread for recess. Only on Fridays, can I go to the canteen to buy food. Sometimes, I will get fruits for recess. Nevertheless, I still prefer a Mcdonald’s meal which will always be my dream recess treat,” says Chuah Seong Koon, nine.
ITEM: The holy month of Ramadan started last Monday. Celebrated on the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, Ramadan is a time for the revival and renewal of faith.
To our young Muslim readers, we’re eager to hear your thoughts on Ramadan. Share with us the significance of this holy month to you and some of your cherished dishes enjoyed during Hari Raya. What makes this festival special to you?
For our non-muslim readers, we’d love to know what aspects of Ramadan you appreciate. Do you relish visiting Ramadan bazaars with your family? Or perhaps you eagerly anticipate Hari Raya gatherings with friends, to taste
delicious traditional dishes like rendang, ketupat, and lontong? Share your favourite experiences with us.
E-mail your contributions to lifestyle@ thestar.com.my by March 29. Please put “STARCHILD: Hari Raya” in the subject line of your email.
Scanned drawings should be in jpeg format, with a resolution of 200 dpi. Your contributions must carry your full name, age (open to children aged 12 and below only), gender, phone contact, and address. Instead of handwritten letters, please type out your letters.