Minimize snacking.

Constant snacking throughout the day can set kids up for weight gain and leave them uninterested in eating when it’s time to sit down for lunch or dinner. And if they’re less hungry, they’ll be less willing to try new foods — like vegetables! As a parent, it’s important to set snacking guidelines: Try to stick to a consistent meal and snack schedule, spacing snacks and meals at least two hours apart, allowing no more than two or three snacks a day, and limiting them to about 150 calories apiece. Apple slices with peanut butter, low-fat yogurt with strawberries, air-popped popcorn, baby carrots and red pepper sticks with low-fat dip, and homemade trail mix made with whole grain cereal, nuts, and dried fruit are all great options.