Healthy snack choices are an important component of a nutritious, well-rounded diet. They contribute to a child's overall health and development and help minimize trips to the doctor's office and dentist's chair. But it's no secret that getting kids to eat healthily can often feel like an uphill battle. Here are a few tips to encourage your child to make better snack choices.

How to Promote Healthy Snacking to Your Kids

1. Offer Easy, Quick Sources of Protein & Fiber

Protein helps a growing child build and repair cells, enzymes, and hormones, and because protein digests slower than carbohydrates, it can provide a more lasting source of energy. Fiber is equally crucial, as it encourages proper digestion, lowers cholesterol, and prevents diabetes.

Keep some ready sources of protein and fiber on hand so your child has quick access to these nutrients. Tasty options that kids tend to enjoy include yogurt, cheese cubes or string cheese, peanut butter, apples, grapes, and bananas. If your child has allergies to dairy, wheat, or other items, consult your doctor's office for more personalized recommendations.

2. Time Your Child's Snacking Appropriately

By setting a snacking schedule, you're helping maintain your child's blood sugar levels, which, in turn, help prevent energy crashes, irritability, and overeating when the next meal or snack is consumed. Children and teenagers alike should eat every three to four hours, with snacks finished at least two hours before the next meal. Kids thrive on routine, and they will get used to eating at certain times—just be sure that the snacks are healthy ones.

3. Be Creative

If you have younger kids or particularly picky eaters, don't be afraid to get creative with the foods they snack on. A bit of imagination can make what seems like a bland or unappealing food much more interesting. A few easy ideas: Slice an apple, spread peanut butter on each slice, and make a face with raisins; cube a variety of melons into pieces and arrange it on a plate in a "snake" or "caterpillar" shape; or slide a peeled banana on a stick or skewer, dip it in vanilla yogurt, and freeze it for approximately two hours.

By fostering healthy snacking habits, you are imparting good lessons about the importance of health and wellness. Your family doctor can be an important ally. Affinity Health Group - Oliver Road Complex is a hospital and doctor's office that has been serving the Monroe, LA, area since 2007. They offer a variety of health services, including primary care, behavioral health support, physical and speech therapy, and telemedicine visits. Call (318) 807-4900 to make an appointment, or visit their website to learn more about their mission and services.