From Parents magazine, February 2003
There's an epidemic of childhood obesity in our country [USA], so being aware of portion sizes is especially important, says Christine Williams, M.D., director of the Children's Cardiovascular Health Center at Columbia University in New York City. Kids currently get 25% of their daily calories from snacks, compared to 20% decades ago. "Kids need to snack, but extra snacks can add up to extra weight," Williams says. Her daily recommendation: Stick to three 100 to 150 calorie snacks for pre-schoolers and two 200 calorie snacks for school age children:
100-150 Calorie Snacks:
1 cup applesauce
1 cup low fat yogurt
1 oz string cheese with crackers
1 slice whole-grain toast with low-fat spread
1 cup cereal and milk
200 Calorie Snacks:
Veggies and low-fat dip
2 rice cakes and peanut butter
1/2 cup trail mix
1/2 sandwich with lean meat on whole-wheat bread
Baked potato with cheese
