Boy, here’s a tough one to deal with on a daily basis. Why? Well, for working parents it’s hard to keep the routine in effect throughout the day. Since you aren’t with your children 24/7, then you have to hope they are educated enough about health and their body that they will make the right decisions. We aren’t saying you have to hide all the Snickers in the house, but trusting they know what to eat is important.
If you are with them for most of the day, it’s a good idea to set up some sort of routine about snacks. If you allow two or three snack times throughout the day, maybe one is for ice cream or something and the others are healthier. Here, what we’ll do is give you some options to take away and implement them in your daily life. You don’t have to use them all, but like we say, the more the merrier.
The Veggie Tray
A good way to give your kids healthier snacks after school is to make a veggie tray. It will allow them to try different vegetables, but it will also only give them the option of eating healthy. Oh, and yes, it’s okay to give them dip for the celery, carrots, cauliflower, and broccoli. If you want to enhance their taste buds, add something they haven’t had before and see if they try it. You never know what they may end up liking.
The Fruit Tray
Again, this is just another way to give them different options. Orange slices, apples, bananas, blueberries, strawberries, and several other fruits will work just fine. The thing you need to remember is your tray doesn’t have to be boring. Add some peanut butter for dipping the apples or make fruit snacks out of several different fruits shaped like fun and entertaining things. If you have older kids it may be a little cheesy, but for the younger ones they will enjoy it.
Remembering Milk
Unfortunately, milk has taken a backseat to Gatorade and other juices today. A way to get your children to drink a full glass of milk each day is by adding a snack to the table. Instead of Oreos, try giving them graham crackers to dip in the milk. It’s a healthier choice and to be honest, there aren’t too many children who will be complaining about this snack at all.
Keep the Variety Going
Seriously, though, you don’t have to do the same thing each week. Try putting a little pizzazz into your healthy snacks and your kids will love you for it. Not only will they enjoy it, but also you will be basically making this a part of their daily routine, which will translate into healthier bodies and a happier you.
