{"id":7710,"date":"2014-01-23T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2014-01-23T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/togethercounts.com\/winter-nutrition\/"},"modified":"2014-01-23T00:00:00","modified_gmt":"2014-01-23T00:00:00","slug":"winter-nutrition","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/togethercounts.com\/es\/winter-nutrition\/","title":{"rendered":"Winter Nutrition"},"content":{"rendered":"

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As the seasons change, so can the eating behaviors of our kids. Nestl\u00e9, a Together Counts\u2122<\/a> partner, with the help of Dietitian Connie Evers, MS, RD, answered some recent questions about children’s food allergies, hunger pains, and energy-boosting snacks.<\/p>\n

Allergy alert<\/strong>
\nAges 2 to 5
\nQ.<\/strong> My 2 year-old son sometimes breaks out in hives an hour or so after he eats breakfast. He often has scrambled eggs and toast. Could these foods be causing his rash?
\nLisa, Bellevue, WA<\/em><\/p>\n

A.<\/strong> Between 6 and 8 percent of children under age 5 will experience a food allergy. Nuts, milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, wheat, and soy are the most common culprits. Your son should be seen by an allergist to find out which foods are causing his symptoms. It is helpful to keep a food diary, describing symptoms and how long after eating they occur. Most children with non-life-threatening allergies will outgrow them as their immune systems become more developed.<\/p>\n

Pre-dinner hungries<\/strong>
\nAges 6 to 8
\nQ.<\/strong> Why is it that my daughters, ages 6 and 8, are always the hungriest when I’m trying to make dinner? They come into the kitchen begging to eat, and if I give in and let them snack, they generally pick at their dinner.
\nJamie, Columbia, SC<\/em><\/p>\n

A.<\/strong> Moms everywhere are frustrated by these pre-dinnertime hungries. The trick is to take advantage of the hunger pangs by offering appetizers of fresh fruits and vegetables. Because these foods have high water content, they typically don’t diminish appetites for meals. Set out carrots, broccoli florets, apple slices, or grapes. It’s a win-win: Dinner preparation is less stressful for you, and your daughters are filling up on nutrient-rich foods.<\/p>\n

Energy-boosting snacks<\/strong>
\nAges 9 to 12
\nQ.<\/strong> Now that my son is in middle school, he is busy with homework and doesn’t always take time for a snack before basketball practice. Then he runs out of energy and can barely make it through practice. Any ideas?
\nSandy, Lacrosse, WI<\/em><\/p>\n

A.<\/strong> Ideally, your son should eat a light snack at least one hour before practice in order to avoid upset stomachs. A snack that is high in complex carbohydrates (not sugars), low in fat, and moderate in protein is a great combination. Examples include cereal, a baked potato topped with reduced-fat cheese, or a turkey sandwich on whole grain bread. If your son doesn’t have time to come home before practice, be sure he packs a high-energy snack foods such as pretzels, whole grain crackers, string cheese, yogurt, or fresh fruit AND a water bottle. Good nutrition is also important after practice. This is the time to replenish the body’s carbohydrates and other key nutrients with a balanced meal and plenty of fluids.<\/p>\n

Looking for new snacks to try this season? Warm up your wintertime with these hot, nutritious foods<\/strong>
\nThese nutrient-packed foods are sure to warm young bodies, especially on those days when the thermometer says \u00abbrrrrr!\u00bb<\/p>\n