Herefordshirechange4life

• sugar swaps
• me sized meals
• meal time
• snack check
• 5 A DAY
• cut back fat
• 60 active minutes
• up and about
• events
• partners and supporters

snack check

Most people snack more than they realise.

Many snacks can be high in sugar, fat, calories, salt and all the things we shouldn’t eat too much of.

There are no hard and fast rules on exactly how many snacks are too many, but many families find that setting a limit on snacks and treats is a great way of keeping a lid on their kids’ snacking.

Many families are surprised when they actually count up how many sweets, crisps and biscuits they get through and how much they are spending on snacks. Keep count and you’re more likely to cut down - which is good for your kids and for your purse too.

Kids that eat 3 meals a day shouldn’t need lots of snacks. If your kids seem to be raiding the snack cupboard and biscuit barrel several times a day, think about what meals they’re eating and when, and aim for 3 regular meals a day.

To fit in with their 3 meals a day, some families find a good way of limiting snacks is to introduce a snacking limit such as ‘2 Snax Max’ and to offer just one snack in the morning and one in the afternoon.

Kids, don’t blame Mum! She’s just sticking to the rule - ‘2 Snax Max’. Mums, don’t feel guilty. If it helps, blame Max!

Of course we all love to indulge our kids. But in the long run it’s kinder to say ‘no’ to too many snacks. Try to find other ways of rewarding them like giving them stickers, or a trip to the park

When kids do snack if you can make one of their snacks a healthier one, all the better. Fruit rather than a biscuit is a great way for children to get towards their 5 A DAY.

Check out the great ideas for healthy snacks on the National Change4Life website