It's inevitable, growing kids are going to snack. Snacking can help kids maintain their energy, provide fuel for school activities and fill nutrition gaps in their diets. Encourage your child to develop healthy eating habits early on by setting an example in your home. Your child can't reach for cookies, chips or candy bars if you don't have them on hand. Model healthy eating by choosing nutritious snacks for yourself, too!

For more snack ideas and tips, visit choosemyplate.gov!

When I arrived to do a lesson demonstration in the second grade class of Ms. Kopacz at Columbia Elementary, I was taken by surprise. Ms. Kopacz and her students were in the middle of their morning workout. She was playing some upbeat music, the lights were turned down and her students were engaged in an exercise routine. Students worked at their own level and pace while doing push ups, sit ups, planks, squats and stretches. As if I was not impressed enough by the students' attentiveness to the workout, I watched as they returned to their desks, finished stretching and enjoyed a healthy morning snack of bananas, yogurt, sandwiches on whole wheat bread, string cheese, and peanut butter crackers. 

I complimented the students on their exercise routine, which I found out they had designed on their own. As I briefly described the benefits of exercise to the students, they sat at attention. I told them, as I am sure they have noticed, that exercise helps them both physically and academically. They had a sense of pride of their accomplishments. I felt guilty that I had to stop them so that I could teach, but it was a great segway into healthy eating and my lesson on Anytime vs. Sometimes snacks. 

The movements of physical activity before my demonstration paid off tremendously. The students were focused, eager to answer questions and respectful. I did not have to redirect their attention once during my lesson! I was amazed!

During my lesson Ms. Kopacz took time to enjoy her morning snack as well. Demonstrating a strong example for the students, she had a banana, a yogurt drink and a hard boiled egg. Seeing this gave me the ability to make the easy connection to my lesson with the students. I applaud this behavior and I hope that others may follow suit. Way to go Ms. Kopacz and students in room 6!

Super Bowl 50 brings many opportunities to snack this Sunday. UC CalFresh would love to help you make healthy snack swaps as you sit down to watch the big game. Check out our ideas below: 

Try a twist on a classic with our

Mango Salsa

Makes: 8 (2 Tablespoon) servings | Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:

1 mango, peeled, pitted, and diced (or 1 cup thawed, frozen mango chunks)

1 Tablespoon diced red onion

1 Tablespoon chopped fresh or 1 teaspoon dried cilantro (optional)

¼ teaspoon salt

Juice of 1 lime or 2 Tablespoons bottled lime juice

Directions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a bowl.

2. Serve with baked tortilla chips.

Need more ideas? Try these:

Whole Wheat Garlic Bread Sticks

Light and Creamy Onion Dip

Turkey Pinwheel Appetizers

Easy Chicken and Cheese Dip

Healthy snacks and beverages are an integral part of a child's diet because they can help our children consume the vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients needed for optimal growth. 

Children have smaller stomachs than adults, which means that they may get hungry in between meals. Therefore, it is important that they learn how to distinguish between treats and healthy snacks.

To assist me in this endeavor with my Vang Pao Elementary School students, I introduced James and Ethan, two characters in the book, Looking After Me: Eating Well, by Liz Gogerly and Mike Gordon. In the story the students learned that eating too many treats can make us sick, but they also learned, along with James, that eating well is the secret to staying fit and healthy. 

Here is what my 2nd grade Vang Pao Elementary students had to say about eating well...

Shout out to Maria Mendez's second grade class for their great responses! 

For tips on healthy snacking, visit choosemyplate.gov.