Snack - what is it? This is a light meal that is taken in the evenings before dinner. It is required in all child care facilities. For proper nutrition, a light evening meal is essential.
Name history
Snack - what is it, where did this word come from? There are two versions of origin. According to the first, since in earlier times peasants and workers had to get up very early, they had breakfast at about 4 or 5 in the morning. Lunch, respectively, was at 9:00, and dinner - not earlier than 18:00. Between the last two meals, quite a lot of time passed. Therefore, during this period, the peasants ate one more time at noon, at 12 o’clock. Hence the origin of the name.
The second version also has a right to exist. Some people think that an afternoon snack is a meal at a time when the sun stops baking. That is, at about 16 hours. From this time, the day begins to gradually turn into evening. That is, the first half of the day has already been lived. And since this time coincides with eating, the process itself is called "afternoon tea."
Why do I need an afternoon snack?
Its value for health is directly related to the digestive system. For its normal functioning, a light meal is especially necessary after sleep, so that a person can strengthen his strength, and the body wake up. It is a very important part of the total daily diet. Especially for people seeking to get rid of extra pounds or suffering from gastrointestinal diseases. It also helps maintain blood sugar levels. And a light evening snack helps to avoid overeating at bedtime.
What can I eat for an afternoon snack?
Snack - what is it? This is a light meal just before dinner. The menu should contain carbohydrates, proteins and fats. Neglecting an afternoon snack often disrupts the body's metabolism. Products for a light meal should be selected low-calorie, healthy and nutritious. It is known how the body needs calcium. This mineral is best absorbed in the evening. Therefore, dairy products rich in this element are perfectly suitable for an afternoon snack.
Sandwiches, yogurt or milk are most often included in an adult's food. But there are other menu options. For example, you can have a snack with lettuce leaves and slices of cheese. Bread is selected whole grain, yeast-free or bran. An afternoon snack is especially important for children. Therefore, in all kindergartens and schools, time for a light snack is mandatory.
Snack - what is it? This is a light meal before dinner, but in small quantities. In child care facilities, the approximate afternoon tea time is 16:00. The menu usually includes pastries or cookies with drinks (tea, jelly or milk). Additionally, children are given yoghurts and fruits. At mid-morning, it is not recommended to eat chocolate, sweets and drink carbonated drinks.
Sample snack menu
What do they give children for an afternoon snack? The light meal menu can be very varied. It all depends on the tastes and preferences in food. A full afternoon snack begins with some yogurt. Then, cookies, waffles, cheese sandwiches or muffins are taken as solid food. Of the drinks, tea, milk or juices are best suited (preferably natural, without sugar). And the afternoon snack ends with any fruit.