Ten Smart Snacks for Teens

Ten Smart Snacks for Teens

A common misconception is that snacking isn’t a healthy habit for growing teens. The truth is that most teens need snacks — the trick is making healthy food choices in the right amounts. Eating too many calories can cause teens to become overweight, which puts them at higher risk for developing type 2 diabetes, a disease that’s now being diagnosed in teens.

Teens can lower their risk for type 2 diabetes if they stay at a healthy weight by being physically active and choosing the right amounts of healthy foods — including snacks. When your teen is making snacks, encourage him or her to use a small plate or bowl and to snack at the table instead of in front of the TV or computer. These habits help teens control portion size and take their time while eating so they don’t eat too much. Be active as a family by going walks together and encourage your teen to join active youth recreation programs.

Smart Snack Suggestions


    1. Make a fruit pizza by spreading 2 tablespoons of nonfat cream cheese on a toasted English muffin. Top with 1/4 cup of sliced strawberries, handful of grapes or 1/4 cup of any fruit canned in its own juice. Or top with broccoli, carrots, and tomatoes for a veggie twist
    2. Eat a small bag or handful of baked chips, pretzels or a single-serving bag of air-popped popcorn
    3. Create a homemade fruit smoothie by combining 1/2 cup frozen vanilla yogurt, 1/2 cup 100 percent orange juice and one peeled orange in a blender
    4. Have two rice cakes, six whole-grain crackers or one slice of whole-grain bread served with low-fat cheese, fruit spread, hummus or peanut butter
    5. Opt for an individual serving size of sugar-free, nonfat pudding instead of regular ice cream
    6. Choose a small tortilla with one or two slices of low-fat cheese or turkey or a small bowl of vegetable soup and a few crackers
    7. Snack on 1 cup of whole-grain cereal with nonfat or low-fat milk and add 1/4 cup of blueberries, strawberries or peaches.
    8. Spread 1 tablespoon of peanut butter on a tortilla and then sprinkle 1 tablespoon of whole-grain cereal on top. Peel and place one banana on the tortilla and then roll the tortilla for a crunchy treat
    9. Try an apple, banana or plum with one or two reduced-fat or low-fat string cheese sticks
    10. Combine 1/8 cup of almonds and 1/8 cup of dried cranberries, cherries or raisins with 1/2 cup of whole-grain cereal for a fun trail mix
    Print Article

    Important Walmart Disclaimer: All content, including but not limited to, recipe and health information provided in In Stores Now, is for educational purposes only. Such content is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. Such content does not cover all possible side effects of any new or different health program. Consult your medical professional for guidance before changing or undertaking a new diet or exercise program. Advance consultation with your physician is particularly important if you are under eighteen (18) years old, pregnant, nursing, or have health problems.

    If you have dietary restrictions and/or allergies, always read the ingredient list carefully for all food products prior to consumption. Allergens and their derivatives can have various names and may be present in some food brands but not others. If the ingredient list is not available on the food product, check with the food manufacturer, or do not consume the product. If you have a food allergy, speak to your physician and/or a registered dietitian for a comprehensive list of foods and their derivatives to avoid prior to using any recipe from Walmart.com. Neither the author nor Walmart.com assumes any responsibility for errors, omissions or contrary interpretation of the subject matter herein.

    Product information is provided by the supplier or manufacturer of the product and should not be construed as advice. Walmart does not sponsor, recommend or endorse any third party, product, service or information provided on this site.

     

    Seasonal Features