Today – Kristine Hansen
For parents, snack time can be tricky. Grocery store shelves are stocked with junk food, and picky eaters can be tough to please. “No one wants snacks ending up in the trash,” says Kate Geagan, a registered dietitian and mother of two children, ages 10 and 12. One common mistake is not thinking of snacks you give to kids as “mini-meals,” Geagan says. Adopt this mindset and suddenly the quality goes up. Portion control is also key. “The size of a snack is about what fits in the palm of your hand,” she says. Another tip: look for protein and fiber to keep your child’s blood sugar and energy levels stable. Also, stay away from labels with ingredients you can’t pronounce. (more)