The Snack Dilemma

 image from www.opposingviews.com

Growing up, my Mom didn't "do" snacks.  I never saw a goldfish cracker until I was older, babysitting other families.  We rarely had graham crackers in the house.  We simply did not do snack food.  However, there was always plenty to eat:  If you were hungry between meals, there were always apples in the bowl in the kitchen.  And Mom would always cut up raw veggies, set them out on a plate and in minutes they would be gone.  She didn't set out a bowl of Ranch dressing next to them.  She simply cut up carrots, celery, green peppers and cucumbers, set them in a dish and walked away.

She never made anyone eat them.  She didn't have to.  If you were hungry, that is what there was to eat.  And so, we ate them.

When I had my own child, I started in with the snacks.  Goldfish were on the weekly shopping list.  Apple juice was a staple.  Snacks of every shape and size were in the cupboard, waiting for when my little guy was hungry for something in between meals.

I have since moved on from that mentality - not only is it not particularly healthy (kids really do not need all those refined flour, bready items and rarely get enough fruits and vegetables), but it is expensive!  I often hear people say how expensive it is to buy produce, but consider this:  one pound of green peppers are $1.29.  A bag of goldfish is now about $2 and, with my crew, only withstands one snack time.  I frequently get 3 lbs of apples for $3...a dollar a pound.  Fruit snacks - they are called fruit snacks, but if you read the ingredients, they are essentially candy - are around $2 a box and again, don't go very far.  They are horrible for kids' teeth, and cost more than a bag of carrots.  Apple juice is a non essential if your children are eating real fruits and vegetables.  It is also expensive and not great for teeth either - we stick to water.

But how do you make your kids eat healthy?

How about this:  don't offer anything else.  Kid's are not going to starve.  If they are hungry for a snack and you cut up apples and some cheese, that is what there is.  They can eat it or not, their decision.  But that is what is for snack.

It isn't that I don't have a picky eater, I do.  He pushes back on every casserole I make, pretends he's going to die if I make him take a bite of cheesy potatoes, and is in general incredibly distrustful of food.  He eats his vegetables.

The issue seems to be more with the discipline of the parent than that of the child.  Goldfish are convenient.  Taking 10 minutes to chop vegetables isn't.  Kids love fruitsnacks and are thrilled when you put them out.  A quiet plate of apple slices may not get the accolades, but kids will eat them.  Still, an important part of being a parent is modeling correct eating for your children.  They are learning about nutrition from you, and you are setting the foundation of their lifetime eating habits now.  I know that I still adhere to the nutritional guidelines my mom set in motion years ago.

I want to make a quick note that I do sometimes buy those other, not so great snack foods.  If I can get a bag of goldfish on super sale for $1, I will surprise my kids and everyone is thrilled.  Sometimes we get fruit snacks and put them in Christmas stockings as a special treat.  But gone are the days of these being grocery staples for our family.

Want ideas for healthy kid snacks?  Here you go:

1) Cut up vegetables.  I do this usually twice a day - morning snack and before dinner snack, when everyone is hungry and ready to eat something.  Don't put ranch dressing next to it - there is no need.  They will eat the veggies without it if it is not there.

2) Apples and peanut butter, or solo apple slices.

3) Popcorn.  Yep, popcorn.  It is a whole grain and really not that bad for you.  Make it yourself and be in control of what goes on it (don't use the bagged popcorn with all the weird ingredients).  My kids love eating this with a few slices of cheese.

4) Whole wheat bread with honey.  Bonus points if you made the bread at home. (No honey for littles under 2!)

5) Whole grain chips and salsa.  A bit more expensive, and not such a hit with little people, but mama loves it!

6) Hummus and celery sticks


What are your favorite healthy snacks for little people?