WASHINGTON (Reuters) – "U.S. children eat an average three snacks a day on top of three regular meals, a finding that could explain why the childhood obesity rate has risen to more than 16 percent, researchers said on Tuesday.  Children snack so often that they are "moving toward constant eating," Carmen Piernas and Barry Popkin of the University of North Carolina reported."  The report will fuel President Obama's fight on childhood obesity. Read more about snacking and constant eating in this article.

More than 27 percent of calories kids eat come from snacks. Holy cow!  Teens it seems some of you are eating three snacks per day!  Salty snacks and candy are eaten the most.  Did you know that the caloric intake of children has increased by 113 calories per day from 1977 to 2006?  This is a huge jump!

What's this:  Snacks are foods eaten outside of regular meals. 

Some teens eat because they're bored.  Are you one of them?  Others are emotional eaters meaning you eat when you're feeling happy or sad.  Do you eat when you're feeling blue?  What are you eating?  Fast food?  Sweets?  Do you drink soda?  Evaluating what you eat will help you locate the unhealthy choices you're making or being made for you.

Tips to curbing your appetite

1.  Don't watch TV and eat at the same time.
2.  Eat slow and put your fork down.
3.  Savor your food; chew 20 times.
4.  Drink plenty of water.
5.  Chew sugar free gum.
6.  Eat foods that are in fiber.
7.  Carry healthy snacks with you such as nuts, granola, peanut butter, trail mix, and other nutritious snacks.
8.  Eat a well-balanced breakfast.

Teens, studies have shown that if you're obese now chances are you'll be obese as an adult.  You can develop chronic illnesses such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes at an early age.  This is no way to live.  Your teen years are supposed to be fun not riddled with adult diseases.

You can improve your nutritional standards by asking mom and dad to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables.  Organic is the best.  Don't forget to get plenty of exercise and drink water instead of soda!