Healthy snacks during the holidays

The holidays are not an excuse to let the kids eat anything they want. According to Alicia Cleves, nutritionist and pediatrician, snacks do not replace breakfast or lunch, but help us to replenish energy and continue with our activities. A healthy snack should be varied, and include at least three food groups (grains, fruits or vegetables, and protein). Here are several options, some recommended more than others.

BAD 

Option A

• 1 Piece of Hawaiian pizza
• 1 Medium soda
• 1 Brownie

Calories: 910

Option B

• 2 Fried chicken nuggets
• 1 Chocolate milkshake

Calories: 680

Option C 

• 2 bananas
• Whipped cream
• 1 Tablespoon of sugar
• 1 Scoop of ice cream

Calories: 1,195

Option D  

• 1 Cup of chocolate coated cereal
• Flavored milk
• 1 Bag of Cheetos

Calories: 820

Option E  

• 1 Bag of potato chips
• 1 Pudding-filled donut
• 1 Medium soda

Calories: 1,120

GOOD 

Option A 

• 1 Small ham and cheese sandwich
• 1 Glass of chocolate milk

Calories: 290

Option B

• 1 Medium tortilla with farmer's cheese
• 1 Glass of natural fruit juice with sugar

Calories: 210

Option C 

• 1 Small glass of gelatin with fruit
• 1 Package of oat crackers

Calories: 250

Option D  

• 1 Serving of farmer's cheese
• 1 Glass of fresh juice
• 1  Piece of toast with jam

Calories: 290

Option E  

• 1 Glass of milk
• 2 Slices of fried banana with margarine

Calories: 290

BEST

Option A 

• 1 Cup of fruit (tangerine, strawberry, papaya, apple, or pear)
• 1 Yogurt
• 4 Almonds

Calories: 220

Option B

• 1 Cup of salad
• 2 Crackers

Calories: 150

Option C 

• 1 Package of whole-wheat or cereal crackers
• 2 Slices of ham
• 1 Fruit

Calories: 180

Option D  

• 10 Grapes
• 1 Biscuit with cheese
• 1 Glass of water

Calories: 190

Option E  

• 1 Yogurt of your favorite flavor
• 1 Pancake with honey

Calories: 200