Every day, halfway between lessons and playground games, a long-awaited moment looms in the lives of schoolchildren: snack time. It's a ritual that transcends cultural boundaries and is deeply rooted in childhood. But behind these little morsels lies much more than a simple gourmet break. Snacking plays a crucial role in children's development and well-being, influencing not only their physical energy, but also their concentration, mood and future eating habits. In this article, we'll look at the role of snacks at school and the ideal daily intake.
What is the role of snacks at school?
The school snack plays an essential role in providing students with the energy they need to maintain concentration and cognitive performance in the middle of the afternoon. It helps prevent excessive hunger, promotes healthy eating habits by educating children about nutritional balance, and creates valuable socializing moments within the school community. In short, the school snack transcends its function as a simple gourmet break, becoming a key element in the physical and social well-being of students.
Is it a meal like any other?
The question of whether the afternoon snack should be considered a meal in its own right is the subject of debate among educators, nutritionists and parents alike. While some see it as an essential snack to bridge the gap between lunch and dinner, others see it more as a simple gourmet break. One point of divergence lies in the size and composition of the snack. Compared with main meals such as breakfast, lunch and dinner, snacks are often made up of smaller portions and can be less varied in nutritional terms.
Visit the next page to discover valuable tips for preparing the ideal snack for your child.
What is the daily intake of a snack?
The daily intake of a snack depends on various factors, such as the child's age, level of physical activity, individual energy requirements and overall nutritional goals. However, the main aim of the snack is to provide a source of energy, nutrients and to maintain stable blood sugar levels until the next meal. Nutritionists recommend a balanced snack. Ideally, it should include complex carbohydrates (fruit, wholegrain cereals), proteins (dairy products, nuts, seeds) and healthy fats (avocado, oilseeds).
In terms of portions, the snack should be hearty enough to satisfy hunger, but not too large to avoid a feeling of heaviness before dinner. A suitable portion can vary according to the child's age and individual energy needs.
You can find ideas for quick and healthy snacks on the blog of lafourche.frby clicking on this page. You can also read the following article to find out which foods to avoid when snacking.
Don't hesitate to read our previous article on the school lunch break.
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