Turning Snacks From Foe To Friend

The other day, I was chatting with Sara, a young mum, about her four year old son, Brandon, a chronic snacker. “He eats all sorts of unhealthy foods instead of proper meals!” she cried in exasperation. “He nibbles miserably at his meals but he will be whining for ice-cream and jelly afterwards. How can I get him to stop?” This is a problem many mums of young children face. While it is frustrating, there are ways to manage the snacking situation.

Change your view

Snacks are usually associated with highsugar, low-nutrient foods. Why? Is it because that is how you yourself view snacks? Do you munch on sweets between meals too? Children imitate us more than we realise! But snacks are really whatever you decide they should be. So, start to see snacks as an extra way to ensure adequate nutrition, especially if your child is picky at mealtimes.

Out of sight, out of mind

Rid your kitchen of unhealthy foods – the less your child sees his beloved sweets, the less he will want them.

Provide healthful choices

Stock up on healthful options such as oatmeal crackers, fruit puddings, sponge cake, egg tarts, fruits etc. Designate a ‘snacks’ area in the fridge or on the countertop where your child can reach to get his food (with your permission, of course).

1½ to 2 hours before a main meal as this will fill him up too much to eat lunch or dinner. Snacks must not replace main meals.

Boost nutrition

“After snacking on sweets for so long, he will revolt if I give him a fruit pudding,” fretted Brandon’s mum. Wait! Do not ban the snacks your child loves. Instead, reduce portion size and serve with something nutritious like red bean soup or soybean milk.

Make mealtimes pleasant

Miserable nibbling at mealtimes? Mums tend to turn into drill sergeants the moment it is lunch or dinner time, “Sit down! Eat! Finish your food or you get the rotan! ” Not exactly fun, is it? Mums (and dads), let go a little. Create a pleasant mealtime atmosphere. Do not get mad or force your child to eat. Never let mealtimes drag on for over an hour. Give small servings and let your child ask for more. Remember, you also have plenty of healthful snacks if your child gets hungry later on.