Healthy Kids and Sweet Treats
But let's face it - kids love sweets.
And although I generally buy healthy snacks, I also tend to indulge their sweet tooth from time to time.
So now I ask - are all sweets created equal? The answer is NO.
Gummy Candies vs Ice Cream
Given a choice between gummy candies (or fruit snacks) and ice cream -the ice cream is the clear winner. Granted, it has bad stuff like fat and sugar but it also has protein from milk and possibly nuts.
The gummy candy usually translates to all sugar and sticks to teeth (read: empty calories and cavities).
Cakes, Cookies, and Donuts
Cakes, cookies, and donuts vary depending on the recipe. These can contain trans fats and tons of calories. But certain brands are fine - you just need to read the ingredient label or make them yourself. You know, in your spare time. ;) Sometimes, you can even sneak some oatmeal or bran into the recipe.
The bottom line: once you decide to offer up a sweet treat, choose the lesser evil (the more nutritious option).
Why not just let them enjoy, without worrying about nutrition?
Sometimes I do that, but usually if they are having a treat after a meal. This way, they have some good food in their bellies already.
If they come home from school starving, and in a moment of weakness, I give in to their pleas - then I prefer that they eat something with a little nutritional value like ice cream, or a (previously approved by me) muffin or cookie.
I know all of you healthy moms out there are screaming right now but my kids are very persistent. I find that this middle of the road approach works for me so I wanted to share it with you, since my children are probably not the only kids that love sugar!
Related Tags: health, nutrition, food, diet, family, kids, eating habits, sweets
Find more tried and true family tips at my blog - A Mom's Life - http://neenmachine.blogspot.com
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