Final answer:
The best after-school snack choice for a 9-year-old among the options given is plain popcorn. It's a whole grain that provides fiber and can be low in calories if not covered in butter or sugar. Making healthy choices that align with dietary guidelines, like consuming a variety of fruits and vegetables and avoiding high-fat and high-sugar snacks, is crucial for proper growth and development in children.
Step-by-step explanation:
When selecting an after-school snack for a 9-year-old, it is essential to choose options that provide nutrition while avoiding excessive calories or unhealthy ingredients such as high levels of sugar, salt, or unhealthy fats. Among the choices provided, plain popcorn stands out as the best option. It is a whole grain that can be low in calories when not covered in butter or sugar, it provides fiber, and it is satisfying. Snacks like milkshakes, potato chips, and bite-size candy are generally high in sugars or fats and are not the healthiest options for children. Instead, focusing on snacks that contribute to the recommended dietary guidelines, such as fresh vegetables and fruits, is crucial for proper growth and development.
A healthy amount of fat for children aged 11-14 is between 65 and 85 grams per day. Foods like cookies, chips, and mayonnaise can quickly add up in fat content, making it easy to surpass the recommended intake. By selecting snacks that contain natural ingredients and are low in processed fats, children can better adhere to these dietary recommendations.
Overall, healthy choices typically include snacks rich in nutrients but low in added sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats. Incorporating a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables can help ensure children receive a broad spectrum of vital nutrients required for their growth. The MyPlate guidelines suggest that half of a meal consists of fruits and vegetables, which can also apply to snack selections.