nutrition

When it comes to Kids’ Snacks, Less is More!
By Tracy Adler

Here's a healthy snack idea for kids: why not eat LESS of your favorite snack? This may not be what one would expect from a health-minded mother, but it's a good starting point! 

The words “healthy eating” make most children cringe and put undue pressure on parents. Instead of eliminating those not-so-good-for-them snacks, help your children develop a healthy relationship with food by allowing them to savor a little bit of everything. 

There probably isn't a child on the planet who wouldn't rather have a handful of M&M's than a dish of carrot sticks & dip. Instead of having to say “no” to your child’s snack requests, allow that sweet or salty snack in moderation. There will be plenty of time for healthier options throughout the day.

Developing healthful eating habits in your children does not have to be about denial and restriction. In my experience, the “all or nothing” approach not only creates frustration in the family kitchen, but is difficult to maintain in the long run. So, I resorted to good, old-fashioned portion control.

In order to really begin tackling the issues of poor eating habits and childhood obesity, I believe families need to get in the habit of 'right sizing' their meals and snacks. We can become healthier by becoming mindful of how much we are eating.  Therefore, eating 'healthier' might include Cheetos as a snack, but will consist of a much smaller portion than most kids are used to.

When your family has indulged in a little something special, you've helped them avoid the damaging affects of food denial, and delivered one important lesson in healthy snacking. Make portion control a habit and your family will know what they can expect and how much they can expect.  In my home, limited snack portions are a 'known' so there's no haggling for more. After a treat, my children know that their only choices will be healthy snacks or waiting until dinner.

Here are a few snack ideas that will help satisfy cravings as well as your desire to feed your children something nutritious. Each is designed with portion in mind. To add some fun to snack time, I serve these recipes up in a Yum Yum Dish™.

Macaroon Blast!
Mix one tablespoon of chocolate chips, 2 crushed macaroons, and 10 Lemon Jelly Belly beans in a four ounce dish.

Cheesy Pop!
1 cup of popped popcorn topped with a sprinkling of 1 tablespoon of parmesan cheese.

Mr. Jack Meets Miss Olive
2 cubic inches of Pepper Jack cheese cut into small wedges (yes, they will be really small wedges), and 8 medium olives. Mix in a four ounce dish.

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