When is the best time for kids to be snacking?

            At the right times, snacks can play an important role in managing kids hunger and boosting nutrition. A well-timed snack can even out spikes in hunger and provide a much-needed energy boost between meals. Pay attention to the portion sizes and timing of snacks, so they do not interfere with a child's appetite for the next scheduled meal. A structured meal and snack schedule is one solution. You offer the meals and snacks at the same times each day, and your kids can decide what they want to eat and how much. It really depends on the age of the child as to when the child should be snacking. A very young child may need to snack more often because they do not eat much at mealtimes; this is why it is important that their snack has nutritional value. Toddlers may eat two to three snacks a day. Do not let children have a snack every time they ask. Sometime kids are just bored, so they will ask for a snack for something to do. Most school age kids only need one or two snacks a day. One of those snacks usually comes after school. If you keep snacking to a minimal and keep the snacks healthy their bodies will be healthy and on a good schedule for meals and snacks.

Rainbow Fruit Kabobs:

This is basically fruit salad, but it is on a stick! It is a great, healthy snack for kids or any person who has trouble handling plates or wants something simple to hold. It does take a bit of time to assemble, it will take you around 10 minutes to complete but you can make a couple during this time. You can substitute any fruit you would like. You can also reverse the order in which you put the fruit on the skewer. Have fun!

Ingredients:

Skewers

Strawberries

Orange chunks

Pineapple chunks

Kiwi chunks

Purple Grapes

Feel free to swap fruits in and out as you see fit. You can also make them with; blueberries, raspberries, green grapes, and bananas.

Directions:

 Wash and prepare all of your fruit

Cut the oranges, pineapple, and kiwi into chunks.

Take a skewer and begin adding one piece of fruit at a time.

I like to start with a strawberry, then add an orange, pineapple, kiwi, and finally grapes, but you can choose your own order. This order just makes a cool color pattern.