Unplanned random snacking can lead to problems, especially with weight.

Nonstop snacking interferes with kids’ appetites and can disrupt their natural instinct to experience hunger and fullness. On the other hand, snacks can actually help kids achieve a healthy weight when they are timed correctly.

Most children and teens need to eat every three to four hours throughout the day.

So what does this mean?

• Younger kids need to eat three meals and at least two snacks a day.
• Older kids need to eat three meals and at least one snack a day however, if they are physically active or going through a growth spurt, they may need two snacks a day.

Parents need to offer planned meals and snacks consistently throughout the day. A good rule of thumb is to offer snacks two hours after a meal ends and about two hours before the next meal begins. The bottom line, if snacks are planned, coordinated with meals and served consistently at regularly scheduled times, kids are more likely to be a healthy weight.