To think there is not enough clear advice on feeding children well

[lecce]

I think we have developed 'a situation' with snacks, especially where ds2 (4yo) is concerned. He is driving me insane with his constant whine of 'I'm hungry,' and 'what can I have then?' It is not unusual for him to be snacking all day and not eating well at mealtimes. However, what makes me doubt myself is that even on days when he does eat well at mealtimes, he will still be asking for food not much later. So, I assume he is hungry and increase his portion sizes. Then the next day, this leads to even more wasted food.

His snacks are not junk food - mainly fruit, breadsticks, oatcakes, other plainish crackers with peanut butter or hummus. He is a little chubby in the face and arms but still in 3yo clothes and naked you can see his ribs.

To further complicate matters, if his elder brother (6) sees him getting a snack, he invariably asks for one too. This makes me think he's eating when he's not really hungry as he's not instigating it, but then he, after going through a slightly chubby time about 18 months ago, is very skinny and looks a if he's been stretched.

So, I'm feeling pretty clueless and very stressed with all the constant whinging for food. Is it normal to be constantly snacking? What portion sizes should dc of these ages be having? I have had a google, but can't find anything. All I can find is NHS stuff about not giving them too much, but no one seems to be quoting figures about how much they should be eating.

I am annoyed because about 2 years ago, ds1 was weighed and measured at school and declared to be just into the 'obese' category. At the time I posted on here about how useless the accompanying leaflet was as it was full of stuff about limiting sugary/fatty snacks, not having squash, not sitting on arses all day watching TV. We're not perfect but none of it applied to us. I basically worried for 6 months, had him re-weighed and he had grown taller and no heavier, so was out of the 'danger zone'.

However, now I feel like I have lost my way with feeding the dc and, looking for advice, there isn't any. I know snacks shouldn't be junk, but how much 'non-junk' is too much?

I thought that was dogs

Agree with other posters why the constant eating! The obesity epidemic will continue if people continue to feed their children processed food full stop. Most of it, if not all is laden with sugar or sweeteners and unhealthy oils. Children need to learn to regulate their intake from an early age. OP most of the snacks you are feeding are processed carbs the worst kind that have been linked to obesity, cancer, alzheimers etc.

I had a quick scan of the www.cwt.org listed by a poster - does anyone honestly believe that processed breakfast cereals are any good to anyone?

So sorry in answer to the OP - stop the snacks, ensure DCs are getting 3 meals of good quality unprocessed food, they won't be hungry.

I don't offer snacks at a set time every day but ds who is 2.4 can help himself to fruit if he wants. He often has a banana or apple around 10 and maybe again before bed. I quite often fancy a snack around 3, so I offer ds some of what I am having, sometimes healthy sometimes chocolate or cake. I normally have about three snacks a day, along with 3 smallish meals and am a size 6 so not worried about overfeeding ds.

My DSs are the same. It is a constant battle.
Interestingly, DS2 never asks for a snack at his CMs apparently
I've now started offering cucumber (which they love) or carrot sticks (which they eat when they're hungry), sometimes they will have it, sometimes they won't.

However, they've recently started having scrambled egg on toast for breakfast and their morning whinges have definitely reduced. I think 'empty' breakfast cereals are a lot to blame. On the days I eat like a couple of Weetabix only, I'm starving come 10am!!

I'm seeing a dietician at the moment who advises 3 healthy meals and mid morning and mid afternoon healthy snack. We do the same with the children. Sit at the table for a snack 10.30 same as pre school. They have small stomachs so I'm not trying to stuff them at meal times. We also blw when small, never tell them they have to finish their plate and allow self regulation.

The difference I feel is between say carrots and hummus or an apple or rice cake and whole meal size processed snacks.

I take children of all ages out walking, and other outdoor pursuits.

Over the years I have noticed that all children when out doing strenuous activity, will constantly ask for food, If the adults are the ones in control of dispensing it.

but if you make sure that that all children have a decent fitted child's day pack, and their packs, contain all of their food, water and snacks for the day, and they can help themselves whenever they want, they don't bother so much and will quite often finish the day with the treats left, and the better energy food, has been consumed,

We always make sure the children are carrying their own, lt completely changes the dynamics of the expedition, so much so, we insist that children do this.

have some containers of plain snacks in the fridge and on the side, carrots, peppers, fruit,oat cakes,rice cakes allow unlimited access to those, and remove all gack food.

and always get them to have a drink of water.

That's really interesting quote. I've never done that when out and about and I think I will!

Reading with interest.
The "I'm Hungary", drives me mad.

TwasBrillg

It makes a massive difference, I bag it up, too much of the things like trail mix, fruit and stuff, so they don't run out.

when you have natural pauses, mention you are going to eat something, and suggest they keep their fuel levels up,

the first time they access repeatedly, second time a bit, third time meh,

They also carry their own swim kit, waterproof, hat,whistle, fleece, safety blanket, they know how to pack it..

Decent fitting, well padded , good form pack is key, go to go outdoors, and any other decent outdoor place and try the sacks on, make sure they have a waist strap. and chest strap if possible, well fitted on the shoulders, if the sack is well fitted and has a good back support, they don't notice it.

Mine love being independent, we had to find a tiny sack for DD as she wanted to be the same as her older siblings when she was quite small.

I find children(mine and others) also enjoy the control over the food being removed as then they don't have to spend the whole time wondering when the biscuits are going to be shared out.

It's far less irritating walking with children if they have their own food and water.

We're not quite at proper excursion level but my big one is 4 but will carry a little back pack.(carrys own swim bag etc). Love the idea of her feeling in control when out.

great training, start now and she will nail the ten tors

I did find a mini proper pack, when DD was that age, she loved it, I just passed it on, or I would of sent it to you.