On the verge of back-to-school season, Health Canada has released a list of five tips to help parents choose healthy snacks for their children.
The health organization recommends reading labels and choosing foods that have little or no added sodium, sugar, or saturated fat.
She also reminds us to make water the beverage of choice. It is possible to add fruits and aromatic herbs to give it flavor. Several combinations are suggested: blackberries and mint, strawberries and fresh basil, raspberries and cucumbers, and chopped apples with a cinnamon stick or sliced pears and a drop of vanilla extract.
Health Canada also recommends limiting highly processed foods, such as:
- jams and jellies;
- desserts such as ice cream and chocolate;
- salty snacks like chips and pretzels;
- baked goods such as biscuits and croissants;
- sugary drinks like juices and sodas.
It’s also easy to make snacks at home, including homemade muffins that can be stored in the freezer. It’s also possible to cut larger amounts of vegetables when preparing meals and cook hard-boiled eggs in advance.
Other snacks that are easy to pack in the lunch box include oranges, bananas and plums, which are easy to carry thanks to their natural packaging. Sliced vegetables like carrots, cucumbers, celery, and bell peppers also work well. (NP)
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