National Snack Food Month was originally created in 1989 by the National Potato Promotion Board and the National Snack Food Association because both organizations wanted to promote awareness and consumption of healthy snacking.
Snack foods can be a great way to eat more nutrients throughout the day and help keep us full until we are able to eat a meal. If you think that you or your family members aren’t getting enough nutritious foods throughout the day, snacking can positively impact overall health and well-being depending on the types of snacks that are chosen.
Having nutritious snacks at home that are easily accessible and tasty will help your family choose these healthy snacks that are full of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. A few nutritious foods to keep on hand that the whole family will love include:
Fruits: fresh and dried apples, bananas, peaches, pears, fresh oranges, cherries, strawberries, grapes, raisins, and prunes
Vegetables: carrots, broccoli, bell pepper, tomatoes, cucumbers, cauliflower and avocado
Proteins: peanut butter or nut butters, chickpeas, hard boiled eggs, and lean meats
Dairy: low-fat yogurt, cheese, milk, and cottage cheese
Grains: whole grain crackers, wheat bread, whole grain tortillas, rice cakes, and air-popped popcorn
Written by Sarah Michaels – University of Idaho Dietetics Student (2020)
References:
American Academy of Pediatrics. (2020). Choosing Healthy Snacks for Kids. Healthy Children. Retrieved from https://www.healthychildren.org/English/healthy-living/nutrition/Pages/Choosing-Healthy-Snacks-for-Children.aspx
National Day Calendar. (2020). National Snack Food Month – February. Retrieved from https://nationaldaycalendar.com/national-snack-food-month-february/#:~:text=National%20Snack%20Food%20Month%20was,as%20healthy%20as%20we%20can!
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