Snack attack!
We’ve got your back with these delicious, healthy snack ideas for your child this holiday.
All children need to snack. Children’s tummies are not big enough to take on board enough energy and nutrients from three meals per day. Choosing the right nibbles to give your toddler throughout the day is very important, especially while on holiday or outdoors in the hot December sun.
WHAT SNACKS SHOULD I AVOID GIVING MY TODDLER?
It is particularly important to avoid sugary and fatty foods as snacks, as we refer to these foods as empty energy foods that have no real nutritional value. When your child eats or drinks sugar, the bacteria in his mouth mix with the sugars to make a mild acid. This acid attacks the teeth’s hard outer layer. Over time, this will cause tooth cavities. These sugary foods can also raise your toddler’s blood sugar levels, causing him to be hyperactive and then just drop him, most likely leading to him becoming irritable, tired and impossible to deal with.
It’s in the best interests of your toddler to avoid sweets and sugary snacks altogether, or only allow sweets to be eaten in one go, rather than spreading the sweets throughout the day. Fresh fruit, chopped raw vegetables, Provitas and homemade sandwiches are all better alternatives.