Kids are snacking machines!

Does it seem like your kids are snacking all the time? A new study suggests most children eat three snacks a day on top of their regular meals, saying children snack so often, they're moving "toward constant eating."

The study, done by researchers at the University of North Carolina, says more than 27 percent of the calories kids take in each day come from snacks. And we're not talking healthy snacks either. According to the researchers, most of the stuff kids are eating is junk--like salty snacks and candy.  And kids today are eating 113 more calories a day than they were back in 1977.

Do you think that has something to do with the latest trends of childhood obesity?

I know when I was a kid I snacked a lot too..and I've got to admit I ate a whole lot of candy and sugary stuff as well. At least I had to walk down to the corner store to buy the candy though..so I got some exercise!

It will probably be hard to get kids off the sweets and chips if they're already on that road, but Parents Magazine has a great list of the best snacks for your kids. It includes stuff like peanut butter, which is loaded with protein and fiber, and sweet potato chips, which kids might eat if you don't tell 'em what they're made out of.

Just try to steer the kids away from one of the snacks I'd eat when I couldn't find any cookies, and didn't have the change to buy pixie sticks or Suzy Q's. I was a big fan of the white bread-sugar sandwich. Mmmmm....

Find out more about the new study here.

Healthy snack ideas from Parents Magazine here.

Kitty Dunn is co-host of Jonathan & Kitty in the Morning on 105.5 Triple M.