Let’s face it, we do have a problem with snacking. I do not know where we get the idea that we have to eat every time we watch TV, every time we go to the movies and anytime we drive. I believe, no I know for certain, that we can learn to choose healthy snacks and last few hours without eating!

The problem with snacking is that we do not count it as food! Yet most snacks are loaded with sugar, fat, artificial flavors and colors that contribute a lot of empty calories that stress our body and digestive system.

When kids play in a soccer game for example, the whole idea is to get them to move their bodies, get fresh air and move away from TV or video games. So we’re actually working against ourselves when we pack a container full of fake fruit juice that is loaded with sugar, sugary snacks, chips or celebrating the 30 minutes of activity on the field by taking a trip to the ice cream shop afterwards.

Having said that, I do recommend stacking your pantry with good healthy items for when the occasion arise for snack.

I recommend getting three types of good granola bars, the ones with no corn syrup, artificial anything or strange ingredients. Also try baked pretzels, popcorns, and whole-wheat crackers.

Make sure that you have carrot sticks, fresh crispy apples, nice grapes, and celery sticks in your refrigerator. Keep hummus in the refrigerator and fresh peanut butter available anytime!

When the kids come home from school, have a tray of cut apples, celery, carrots and a dish of hummus or peanut butter ready to go on the counter. The kids will reach for and enjoy these high fiber, high nutrient and high protein choices.

If the kids are going somewhere, let them pack any snack from the pantry. After all, kids tend to eat the foods that they choose. In this way, kids have only healthy choices to choose from at home, get to make a decision over what they eat, and will learn from a young age what a healthy snack looks like!

About the Author

Sanaa Abourezk is a Gourmet Chef, Restauranteur, Author, Nutritionist, and Blogger. She’s passionate about the art of cooking and enjoys sharing delicious recipes.

Sanaa owns and operates a popular Middle Eastern Restaurant in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. She earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Agricultural Engineering and a Masters degree in Nutrition.

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