Teach your children the difference between healthy snacks and foods that are treats. The healthiest snacks are low in fat, sugar, and salt. Only offer high calorie foods with low nutritional value once in awhile, not everyday. Avoid having these foods in your house all the time. If these foods are in the house and your children see them, they are more likely to want them.

The best way to get your children to eat healthy snacks is to have them easily available. Have a bowl of fruit on the kitchen counter or cut up veggies in the fridge for your children to grab for a snack. In general, offer whole foods more often instead of prepackaged, processed ones.

Here are some tips to avoid overeating foods that are high in fat, sugar, and salt

• Don’t put the whole bag of chips or cookies out. Keep portion sizes small and put the rest away for another day.
• Use small glasses and bowls that hold no more than 250 mL (1 cup) for pop, chips, or ice cream.
• Buy snack size candy bars.
• Order the small or regular size items rather than the super-sized.
• Share fries or dessert when eating out.