Small bites, big questions: The mystery behind the choice of snack.

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?

La question de savoir si le goûter est considéré comme un repas à part entière suscite un débat parmi les éducateurs, les nutritionnistes et les parents. Alors que certains le considèrent comme une collation essentielle pour combler le fossé entre le déjeuner et le dîner, d’autres le voient davantage comme une simple pause gourmande. L’un des points de divergence réside dans la taille et la composition du goûter. Comparé aux repas principaux tels que le petit déjeuner, le déjeuner et le dîner, le goûter est souvent constitué de portions plus petites et peut être moins diversifié sur le plan nutritionnel.
Rendez-vous sur la page suivante pour découvrir de précieux conseils et ainsi, préparer le goûter idéal pour votre enfant.

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.

Vous pouvez trouver des idées de goûters sains et rapides sur le blog de lafourche.fr, en cliquant sur cette page. Vous pouvez également lire l’article suivant pour découvrir les aliments à éviter lors du goûter.

Don't hesitate to read our previous article on the school lunch break.

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