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Nature’s ‘fast snacks’ are healthy choices
STILLWATER, Okla. - For many families in Oklahoma, eating on the run has become a way of life. With children involved in extracurricular activities, and in many cases, both parents working outside the home, it can be difficult to find time to prepare and eat a meal at home.
When families are on the go, it seems they are more likely to simply grab a quick snack instead of taking the time to prepare something healthy, said Janice Hermann, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension nutrition education specialist.
“Good nutrition is essential for a healthy lifestyle,” Hermann said. “A healthy lifestyle coupled with eating nutritious foods and snacks can help reduce the risks of some health disorders later in life. Eating five servings of fruits and vegetables is one way to cut the risks of heart disease, obesity and other health problems.”
When it is time for after school snacks or a quick snack in the workplace, keep “nature’s fast snacks” in mind. Instead of snacking on potato chips, ice cream and other high fat, low-nutrient foods, reach for fruits and vegetables instead. Purchased convenience food often means high fat, high sodium, low fiber and more money.
“We’re continuing to see an increase in the number of overweight children,” she said. “Incorporating healthier snacks in place of foods that are less nutritious is one way to help combat this problem.”
Strawberries, nectarines, raisins, cherry tomatoes, celery sticks, apples, oranges, carrots, grapes, bananas and kiwi are all good examples of quick, heart-healthy snacks.
“Put these great-tasting snacks in small plastic bags for the kids to eat after school,” Hermann said. “A bag of fresh fruit or veggie sticks can be tossed in your purse or brief case for a healthy snack at the office. With spring and summer right around the corner, your local grocery store or farmers’ market will have many choices for fresh fruits and vegetables.”
In order to save time throughout the week, package up several kinds of fruits and vegetables into resealable bags and keep them in the refrigerator. In just a few minutes parents can have a whole week’s worth of snacks ready to go.
“Not only are these snacks healthier, but they’re more economical as well,” Hermann said. “Young children can help with this task and it provides another opportunity to teach children about good nutrition.”
Planning is one of the key elements to getting at least five servings of fruits and vegetables per day. Think about healthy snacks as you make out the grocery list. Look for new snack ideas in the produce department.
“Even though we seem to be living lives with hectic schedules, just a little bit of planning can help your family consume the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables per day,” Hermann said. “This is simply another way to help ensure a healthy life for you and your children.”
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Oklahoma State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, State and
Local Governments Cooperating: The Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service
offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national
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Trisha Gedon
Communications
Specialist
Agricultural
Communications Services
136 Agriculture
North
Oklahoma State
University
Stillwater, OK 74078
405-744-3625
(phone)
405-744-5739
(fax)
trisha.gedon@okstate.edu
