Snack Attack

Mommy – can I have a snack? How many times have you heard that one? Countless, I’m sure. There are many times when it seems as though I just made my way out of the kitchen only to hear a little voice beckoning for yet another snack. More often than not, I have no issue conceding to the snack in question, however it is often the specific snack requested that I take issue with.

Unfortunately, television advertisements do little in the way of helping moms encourage their young ones to embrace healthier snack options. Try explaining to a three year old that the mesmerizing treat that just jumped out of the television in colorful 3-D action is not a healthy snack. They are probably still in a trance from what they just witnessed so chances are your voice won’t even register.

The good news is that with a little perseverance and a few “because I’m mommy and I said so’s”, you can break the hypnotic spell that was cast unfairly on your unsuspecting child and provide healthy snack options that may even go undetected as such. Nowadays, healthier versions of popular kid favorites are available and market themselves accordingly making it easier for moms to eye them on the shelves. I have been able to find replacements for favorites such as granola bars, cereal bars, fruit roll-ups, and the ever popular - cheese crackers, just to name a few.

Look for the following statements listed directly on products when searching for healthier snack options:nn· No High Fructose Corn Syrupn· No Hydrogenated Oilsn· No Artificial Preservatives or Flavorsn· No Trans Fat

Additionally, if a product markets itself as “organic”, it is more than likely a safe bet! Quickly scan the ingredients to confirm the absence of the no-no’s listed above.

Of course, nothing could be healthier than good, old-fashioned fruit, whole grains, and vegetables. However, they may take more convincing than others on your part. Try providing a kid friendly dip or spread to do the convincing for you! Here are a few examples:nn· Apple Slices with Peanut Buttern· 100% Whole-Wheat Mini Bagels with Low-Sugar Jelly or n Low-Fat Flavored Cream Cheesen· Carrot Wedges with Light Ranch Dressing

Instilling healthy habits in terms of food choices early in the lives of our children will translate into healthy habits that positively affect the future health of our children.

Health & Success,

Alison n