That is a fundamental meal to never skip, we have said it several times, but let's see what characteristics a snack should have to be considered truly balanced.
Sometimes they really don't want to, the desire of the children after a day at school or kindergarten is to have fun, run to the park or invite a little friend home to play, play and still play. But we know, now we read it everywhere and talk about pediatricians and nutritionists, meals every day should be 5 and if we take away breakfast, lunch and dinner, two meals remain to be consumed mid-morning and mid-afternoon: snack and snack.
If you are wondering, there is no single way to "snack" and certainly a lot depends on the child, the type of day he has to face, his age, his tastes. In short, the "perfect" snack does not exist. But one thing is certain, the snack – of whatever nature – must be balanced and provide the child with all the nutrients they need to recharge their energy level and prevent them from arriving at the next meal that is too hungry. But what exactly does snack mean balanced and balanced?
Balanced snack: what characteristics it must have
- It must be varied: varying foods is a habit that applies to all meals, including snacks. Go ahead then to alternate sweet and savory, homemade snacks and packaged products, fruit, yoghurt, bakery products, etc. By choosing the variety we will also obtain another result, we will avoid tiring our child with the monotony of a snack always equal.
- There is no equal snack for everyone: the word "snack" comes from the Latin merere what does it mean deserve, it is not a meal due, therefore, but something that must be "deserved" according to the energies consumed, the physical activity performed, the age. A child aged 3-8 years, for example, needs a daily calorie intake ranging from 1350 to 1800 calories. We know that the snack must ensure an energy supply equal to 7-10% of the daily requirement, therefore for children of this age group the ideal snack should bring about 125-160 kcal.
- It must provide all the necessary nutrients to the child without exceeding the calories: a mix of vitamins, proteins, carbohydrates and a few sugars, to supply the body with energy without weighing it down.
Unduetris Merenda di Citterio, the tasty and balanced snack
And then there is the convenience of choosing a snack as a snack that already contains all the nutritional values necessary for the child (balanced between them) and that is available in several variants (we said that there is no equal snack for everyone, right?) depending on the age range of the child (3-8 years and from 9 upwards) and then also for children who practice sports and for those who are intolerant to gluten. IS Unduetris Merenda of Citterio, complete and balanced snacks, made specifically to meet the energy needs of children. The snack designed for children aged 3-8 contains sticks with cooked ham, breadsticks and fruit puree, in a fanciful and practical mix, perfect also to carry and consume even at the park or just out of school.
A solution that satisfies children's palates and parents' desire to offer a balanced snack with the right caloric intake.
