Snack Consumption Guidelines
The amount of snacks kids should eat each day depends on their age, size, and activity level. Generally speaking, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children ages 4 to 13 consume no more than two snacks a day. For older teenagers, the recommended maximum number of snacks is three per day.
When it comes to choosing snacks, the Academy recommends healthy options, such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, and whole grains. Avoid snacks that are high in sugar, fat, and salt.
Calorie Intake
Snacks should not exceed 10-15% of a kid’s daily calorie intake. Therefore, the amount of snacks kids should eat each day is determined by the total number of calories they eat in a day. For example, if a child needs 1,800 calories per day, they should not exceed 180 calories from snacks.
Balanced Meals
It is important to remember that snacks are meant to supplement meals, not replace them. To ensure balanced nutrition, kids should consume three meals a day. Additionally, snacks should be eaten between meals to keep kids feeling full and energized throughout the day.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the amount of snacks kids should eat each day depends on their age, size, and activity level. Generally, two to three snacks per day is the recommended maximum. When it comes to choosing snacks, opt for healthy options, such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, and whole grains. Additionally, snacks should supplement meals, not replace them, and should not exceed 10-15% of a kid’s daily calorie intake.