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Tips for Snacks
 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) through their Fruits and Veggies Matter campaign offer healthy snack options and recipes.  Nutritionists, Health Managers, and Consultants working with Head Start and other child care programs may use this information to educate staff and parents of the variety of foods for the children and families.

Tips for Snacks

  • Snack on vegetables like bell pepper strips and broccoli with a low-fat or fat-free ranch dip.
  • Try baked tortilla chips with black bean and corn salsa.
  • Stash bags of dried fruit at your desk for a convenient snack.
  • Keep a bowl of fruit on your desk or counter.
  • Drink a fruit smoothie made with whole fruit, ice cubes, and low-fat or fat-free yogurt.
  • Top a cup of fat-free or low-fat yogurt with sliced fresh fruit.
  • For quick and easy snacks, stock up on fresh, dried, frozen, and canned fruits and vegetables.
  • Encourage your child to choose his or her own fruit when shopping. 
  • Store cleaned, cut-up vegetables in the fridge at eye level and keep a low-fat or fat-free dip on hand. 
  • Canned, dried, and frozen fruits and vegetables are also good options. Look for fruit without added sugar or syrups and vegetables without added salt, butter, or cream sauces.

Sweet Potato Fries


1. Preheat oven to 425° F.

2. Cut uncooked sweet potatoes into thin slices.

3. Dip slices in a mixture of egg substitute and nutmeg.

4. Spray a baking pan lightly with a non-stick cooking spray. Arrange the slices in a single layer on the baking pan.

5. Bake for 20 minutes or until slices are tender.

Bean Quesadillas

1. Spread low-fat cheese and low-fat or fat-free refried beans between two tortillas.

2. Brown on both sides in a pan until cheese melts.

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Tips for Snacks. Fruits and Veggies Matter. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. n.d. English.