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Summertime snack ideas for kids
Summer is here, which means more time spent at home (and in the kitchen), while kids are on summer break. Not only are parents’ concerned with finding ways to entertain their kids, but also with what to feed them. And it always seems as if kids are hungrier in the summertime, as they have the freedom to “graze” all day long.
What, when, and how much
Snacking can be, and should be, a healthy part of any kid’s diet. But, it’s not just about what you feed your kids, it about when and how much. According to Kids Eat Right, an initiative of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics that focuses on kids’ nutrition, there are several scenarios in which snacking can actually be harmful to a child’s diet: Unplanned, random snacking can lead to weight gain. This is one of the major contributing factors to the issue of childhood obesity, as kids have more access to food at all hours of the day. When kids have the freedom to snack all day, and at any time of the day, the natural instinct that lets them know when they are hungry, or full, is disrupted.However, snacks that are offered at the right time and in the right amount, can help kids achieve a healthy weight, as their bodies are continually growing and are in need of energy. Here are some guidelines for healthy snacking for kids: Most kids, and teens, need to eat every three to four hours in order to achieve a healthy, balanced diet throughout the day. For younger kids, this is equivalent to about three meals and two snacks a day. Older kids need to eat three meals and at least one snack a day. Older kids who are going through a growth spurt, or are very physically active, may need two snacks a day to make up for the additional output of energy. Consistency is key. A good rule of thumb is to offer a snack a few hours after one meal and one to two hours before the next. By doing this, kids are less likely to refuse food at mealtime, only to beg for snacks later, and will be ready for their next meal if snacking is limited beforehand. Remember, it’s not just when kids snack, but how much they are eating during snack time. This guide is a great tool for parents, as it shows healthy snack portions based on various food groups for kids.Snack ideas for kids
One advantage of kids spending more time at home while on summer break is that they tend to eat healthier at home, given they are not surrounded by the endless options of junk food found in the vending machines at school. Here are some healthy snack ideas for the whole family: Ants on a log. Cut a piece of celery into segments, spread with peanut butter (or other nut butter of your choice), and top with raisins. Fruit and dip. Cut up your favorite fruit, or a variety of fruit, and serve with a small portion of Greek yogurt, mixed with cinnamon and a drop of vanilla extract. Keep in-season fruit on hand for a quick snack on the go! Summer fruits include: berries, cantaloupe, honeydew melon, grapefruit, watermelon, and peaches. For a full list of in-season produce, visit here. Veggies and dip. Cut up an array of veggies and serve with a “homemade” ranch dip. Combine a packet a dry ranch mix with Greek yogurt for more staying power, as Greek yogurt has almost 2x the amount of protein as regular yogurt. Craving chips? Think about dry-roasted edamame or soy nuts instead. You can still get the salty, crunchy goodness found in chips, with less fat and added fiber!Want more snack ideas for the whole family? Check out our Arnold Palmer Hospital “Fun Eats for Kids” Pinterest board. -
Is CrossFit safe for kids?
CrossFit has become a wildly popular fitness trend among adults over the past few years, and now CrossFit is targeting kids, too. But some parents can’t help but wonder, “Is CrossFit safe for my child?” We sat down with Dr. Davis, sports medicine physician at Arnold Palmer Hospital, to ask her expert opinion on the appropriate types of physical activity for kids, and if CrossFit is safe for their growing bodies.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recently announced that it’s safe for kids to start a light weightlifting routine after age 8. Can you explain this decision?
The benefits of strength training for kids are similar to those for adults. Like adults, kids will gain improvements in muscular fitness and bone mineral density by incorporating a light strength-training program into their fitness routine. However, one of the most important benefits of any youth fitness program (including resistance training, in addition to aerobic exercise) is an improved attitude towards lifelong activity, which will keep them motivated into their adult years. -
Nutritional Considerations for Vegetarian Teens
Does your teen want to become a vegetarian or is he or she already one? More and more teenagers are choosing to eliminate meat, poultry, fish, or even dairy and eggs from their diet. Some reasons are due to religion, animal rights, improved health, or maintaining a healthy weight. Many teenagers feel the pressure from family and friends about their diet choice, especially if they are unsure if their nutritional needs are being met.
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Hospitality Homes
Hospitality homes allow parents and families to stay close to their loved one during their hospital stay. If your family is traveling to receive care, experiencing financial strain or has a child staying at the hospital for an extended period of time, The Ronald McDonald House may be a good fit during your time in Orlando. The Ronald McDonald House is walking distance of Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children and accepts individual and family stays.
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Our Team
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Popular Teething Products Are Unsafe for Babies
There are some areas of parenting where everyone has an opinion. And doesn’t it always happen that when you’re pushing your kid in the grocery cart, trying desperately to find the last item on your list so you can just get out of that store, that’s when someone stops you to share their little nuggets of parenting wisdom?
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Summertime Treats for the Entire Family
As the summer heat continues to scorch, kids are always looking for ways to stay cool. Even though the school year is just around the corner, cooler weather unfortunately isn’t coming for a while. As your family enjoys the last picnics, get-togethers and pool parties before heading back to school, you’ll want some sweet treats to help you cool off. Usually these activities involve eating less nutritious foods such as hot dogs, ice cream, pizza, candy and potato chips. With these tempting foods readily available, it can be difficult to lure kids over to the fruit table for a healthier and more refreshing snack. By making fruit more appealing to kids, we might be able to change their views on this delicious treat.
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Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children
Named a “Best Children’s Hospital,” Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children provides a full range of services to meet the unique physical, emotional and developmental needs of children.
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Heater / Cooler Device Information
For patients or parents who have questions about the heater/cooler device used during open-heart surgery, please call our help line at 321.843.7200 or visit the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website for more information.
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Dinutuximab With Chemotherapy, Surgery and Stem Cell Transplantation for the Treatment of Children With Newly Diagnosed High Risk Neuroblastoma
Dinutuximab With Chemotherapy, Surgery and Stem Cell Transplantation for the Treatment of Children With Newly Diagnosed High Risk Neuroblastoma
