Is snack time sabotaging meals? Let’s talk timing.
We all know snacks are a significant part of a child’s diet. But when they eat them is just as important as what they’re eating. Let’s make sure snacks are helping, not hindering, their appetite for main meals.
Are snacks filling them up?
Snacks should be a mini-boost, not a main event. If your child isn’t hungry at dinnertime, consider when they last had a snack.
- The 90-Minute Rule: A good rule of thumb is to leave a gap of about an hour and a half between a snack and a main meal. This gives their appetite a chance to return.
- Beat the “All-Day Buffet”: Does your child tend to “graze” on snacks throughout the day? This can prevent them from feeling hungry for their proper meals. It’s best to stick to scheduled snack times.
When are snacks most needed?
- The After-School Bridge: That long stretch between school lunch and dinner almost always calls for a planned snack.
- Weekend & Holiday Gaps: On days at home, a snack between breakfast and lunch can be just what’s needed to prevent a pre-lunch meltdown!