Too many snacks?

[Ima shel Alon]

DS was always a big eater. He is a very active boy, can go for 2h walk no problem, so I am not worried about weight, I am more worried of bad habits.
His day looks like this:
6:15 breakfast (wakes up at 6 and can't go a minute after he is dressed without eating, like his mommy, TBH)
8:30-9 first snack. If he is in kindergarten (that's 5 days a week) then he has a banana and a slice of bread, if at home on the weekend, he'll have just the banana)
11:30 second snack. On the way home from kindergarten he'd ask to eat what is left of his bread or when we get home he'll get another fruit, same on the weekend.
13 Lunch
15 Wakes up from his nap and usually has a fruit or veg
16:30-17 second snack, always fruit or veg
18:15 Supper

So he basically eats every 2h! I know that all what he eats is healthy and I am happy that he takes fruit and veg so easily, I know I am lucky, but is it ok for him to eat every 2h?
We had a short period when he asked to eat ALL THE TIME. He'd finish eating and ask again and for a few days I gave him whenever he asked but he just wouldn't eat it, yk? So I stopped and the longest I can get him now between meals and snacks is 2h. I thought that there should be breakfast, then mid morning snack, then lunch... but he needs 2 snacks to last through the morning...

[jessmum46]

I wouldn't have thought its a problem Noa - as you say it's all healthy stuff and his weight isn't an issue.  My one thought would be whether he actually might need something more sustaining for his snack instead of fruit and veg which are healthy but not exactly full of calories?  Something like cheese and crackers, sugar-free mini-muffins (with fruit in, but also some carbs and fat), maybe something a bit more protein-based for his morning snack (eggy bread or something similar?).  Or will he/can he eat nuts?  Probably lots more (and better) ideas on the recipe swap threads.  What do you think?

[michaeljacknnugg]

I'd agree. If the snacks are more sustaining then maybe he will need less?

What is he eating at mealtimes? My DS is the opposite - still eats well but needs snacks to be really restricted to be interested in meals.

[Ima shel Alon]

I tried that, I also thought that if he is fuller then he won't have 2 snacks, but it just doesn't work. I tried giving a sandwich in the first snack in the morning, which usually has an egg spread, a nut butter or cheese - so filling, but 1.5-2h later he is screaming and shouting for food again. So I changed it after a while to fruit and veg because back then I was concerned that he is eating too much. I bake a lot but I have the problem that if I give him something which is more a treat, like apple muffins or something like that, then he demands it every single snack!

[michaeljacknnugg]

If his weight is ok and he is eating healthy stuff, I don't think it's anything to worry about. Unless you are wanting him to eat less often to make life easier for the whole family?

[koe2moe]

DS's eating routines were every 2h up till he turned 4!  The daycare did this and basically kids from 1-4 get a break every two hours and some food.  I think it is necessary.  Now he eats all over the place with us on his holidays.  Not good

[Ima shel Alon]

No, it's not about making life easier on me - food IS my life! I was just wondering if it's ok for him to eat every 2h or so and from your posts I get the gist that it is . Thanks for your help.

[My little Liam]

I think your DS is just a true Israeli! You know we all love to eat!!! 

[Ima shel Alon]

LOL, he is in indeed! Would always pick his Tahini over cheese or jam!

[koe2moe]

Hahaha. DS has preferences of foods like mine and DH's, too.  Meat from me and cheese from DH!  Lol