KNOW the real problem with the snacks kids like most? They’re often the ones with the most fat, salt and sugar in them – and they need healthier snacks. As an official national partner of the Department of Health’s Change4Life campaign, we’re working with their experts to spread the healthier snacks message, and they have some great advice on how you can gradually guide your kids into a healthier way of eating. I’ve chosen a few of their tips from their website.
Don’t try to cut out the kids’ favourite snacks all at once – just ease them, and yourself, in gently to the healthier snacks they need. Here are a few simple tips to start you off which they probably won’t even notice!
Two snacks Max: one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Mums, don’t feel guilty if the kids complain – blame “Max”!
Keep count: keep an eye on the number of snacks you eat and you’re more likely to cut down – which is good for your kids and for your purse too.
Chop up the choc: cut up regular-sized chocolate bars and give them a little piece instead of a whole bar. They still get the taste but not nearly so much fat and sugar. Or use the mini, sweet-sized chocolates instead and just let them have one.
Thirsty instead? If your kids ask for more snacks after you think they’ve had enough they may be thirsty instead of hungry. Try offering them water or low fat milk (skimmed, semi-skimmed or 1%, as long as they are aged over five) instead.
There’s more important advice about healthier snacks on the Change4Life website >>
