Do you enjoy snacking between meals? If your answer is yes, you’re not alone. A snack can give you extra energy when you are studying, playing sports or spending time with friends.
Many children love snacks like keropok (crackers), pisang goreng (banana fritters), popcorn and curry puffs.
Snacks around the world come in many different flavours, shapes and textures. In Japan, children enjoy rice crackers called senbei, while India is famous for crunchy treats like samosas and murukku.
Mexico has tortilla chips and fresh fruit with chilli seasoning, while in South Korea, people enjoy tteokbokki and seaweed snacks. These snacks reflect each country’s ingredients, culture and traditions.
Have you tried any of these items?
However, not all snacks are created equal. In Malaysia, we are lucky to have many tasty snacks to choose from.
Popular treats such as keropok, potato chips and cekodok (fried banana balls) may taste delicious, but they often contain a lot of sugar, salt or fat.
Eating too much of these snacks is not good for our health.
The good news is that there are many healthier options.
Fresh fruits are one of the best snacks you can eat.
Malaysia is home to a wide variety of fruits, including bananas, papayas, guavas, rambutans and watermelon.
They are packed with vitamins and minerals that help our bodies grow strong.
Snacks can be part of a healthy lifestyle when chosen wisely. The next time you feel hungry between meals, reach for a fruit, some corn or another nutritious treat.
Your body will thank you for it!
Here are the letters from Starchild readers on the topic, Snacks.
Michelle Tan Mei Kuan, 11, writes, “My dad often buys apples for our family, so I usually bring one to school for recess. Apples are juicy, crunchy and refreshing, making them a perfect snack on a hot day. They are also healthy and give me energy to play with my friends. Although I enjoy many different snacks, apples are my favourite because they are both tasty and good for me.”
Asher Wang Qi Chuen, eight, writes: “Seaweed snacks and French fries are my favourite snacks for recess. They are so tasty and nice to eat after all the studying in class.”
“My favourite recess snacks are chiffon cakes, waffles and fruits. They are my favourite because they are delicious and easy to eat with minimum mess. I can finish them quickly within the 20 minutes I have for my recess,” says older sibling Bethany Wang Qi Syuen, 11.
“I like drinking chocolate milk too. I usually eat with my classmate and he really likes the pizza my mum makes. I love this great mix of snacks, fruits and homemade food because it’s delicious and makes recess fun.”
“I enjoy eating snacks like chips, popcorn and wafers. I especially like the different flavours and crunchy textures. However, I know that these snacks are not the healthiest choices because they can contain a lot of sugar, salt and fat.
"So, I try not to eat them too often and enjoy them only once in a while. I also make sure to eat healthier snacks like fruits and drink plenty of water to keep my body healthy,” says Nur Ameera Khairul Nizam, 12.
ITEM: A good friend makes us smile, helps us when we need help, and makes every day more special. Friends show kindness by sharing, caring and supporting each other.
For International Friendship Day on July 30, tell us about your best friend! Send us your letters and drawings about what makes your friendship special and how you show care for your friends.
Email your contributions to lifestyle@thestar.com.my by July 17.
Please put “STARCHILD: My best friend” in the subject line of your email.
Scanned drawings should be in jpeg format, with a resolution of 200dpi. Your contributions must carry your full name, age (open to children aged 12 and below only), gender, phone contact and address. Instead of handwritten letters, please type out your letters.
Starchild: Snack drawings
Nur Ameera Mohd Khairul Nizam, 12
Bethany Wang Qi Syuen, 11
Asher Wang Qi Chuen, 8
Michelle Tan Mei Kuan, 11
Joshua Tan, 12
