{"id":24514,"date":"2026-03-01T14:48:41","date_gmt":"2026-03-01T21:48:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.goldcrownfoundation.com\/?p=24514"},"modified":"2026-03-11T15:18:32","modified_gmt":"2026-03-11T21:18:32","slug":"healthy-eating-and-snacking-for-kids","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.goldcrownfoundation.com\/es\/healthy-eating-and-snacking-for-kids\/","title":{"rendered":"Healthy Eating and Snacking for Kids"},"content":{"rendered":"
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With so much information about what kids should<\/em> eat, it can be hard for parents and coaches to know what actually matters. From choosing balanced snacks to encouraging healthy habits without creating pressure around food, building a positive relationship with nutrition takes time. To help simplify the conversation, Helen Seagle, RD, Clinical Nutrition Manager at Children\u2019s Hospital Colorado, shares practical guidance on healthy eating, snacking and supporting kids\u2019 overall well-being.<\/p>\n

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Parents and caregivers are fed a daily diet of how they should feed their children. Choosing nutritious foods on a budget, avoiding ultra-processed foods or just finding a quick and healthy snack can be overwhelming. Beyond all the noise, there are several things you can do to help kids build routines and habits that will support them to grow well and be happy and\u00a0resilient<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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Helen Seagle, RD, Clinical Nutrition Manager at Children\u2019s Hospital Colorado, answers questions about healthy eating and how to make decisions about food that can impact your child\u2019s well-being.<\/p>\n

Q: What does it mean to be healthy when it comes to food?<\/h2>\n

A: \u201cHealthy\u201d is an overused and poorly understood food adjective. Some registered dietitians (RDs) use \u201cnourishing,\u201d \u201cnutritious\u201d or \u201cbeneficial\u201d instead. A food that promotes health provides essential macronutrients, vitamins, minerals and energy. Ideally, it\u2019s enjoyable too.<\/p>\n

Rather than striving for perfection in one food, focus on balance with a variety of foods that provide essential nutrients and few additives. Whole foods like an apple, broccoli or chicken are great options, while processed foods with long ingredient lists, such as puffed corn snacks, are better to include less often if possible.<\/p>\n

It is not necessary to talk with kids about \u201chealthy\u201d foods. Foods are foods. Parents and caregivers decide which foods come into the home. It is good to be thoughtful about food choices at the grocery store, but you don\u2019t need to justify your choices to your kids one way or the other. Instead, you can normalize food conversations by saying things like: \u201cWould you like apple slices with cheese or with peanut butter?\u201d This helps children build autonomy and confidence without reinforcing restrictive habits or an all-or-nothing approach to food.<\/p>\n

Q: How can I get my kid to eat more nutritious foods?<\/h2>\n

A: Foods that are called \u201chealthy\u201d don\u2019t always taste enjoyable to everyone, especially the first time kids try them. Learning to enjoy different foods may take a while for your kids, so be patient. Repeated exposure is key \u2014 provide foods that your child isn\u2019t used to yet often and in very small portions. Some kids just need a chance, in a stress-free environment, to begin to enjoy foods that you know will help them grow and thrive.<\/p>\n

Q: What is a balanced snack?<\/h2>\n

A: A well-balanced snack should provide energy and essential nutrients and help your child feel satisfied until the next meal. When selecting snacks, consider your child's needs: protein-rich options for those who skip lunch;\u00a0fruits and veggies<\/a>\u00a0for those lacking produce; and quick, portable snacks for busy schedules.<\/p>\n

Essential nutrients include:<\/p>\n