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Let The School Begin
School is starting
again within the next few weeks, and hungry kids will be coming home
with rumbling tummies. You know the drill: The door slams. Backpacks
are throw on the floor, and before 'Hello, I love you,' what you hear
instead is: "Mommie, I'm STARVING! Do we have anything good to
eat?"
In our home, I try to provide my munchkins with only good things to eat. Note the word: try.
Let's face it, no parent is perfect. There are times when the most convenient thing to do is toss a snack-size bag of potato chips at the nearest adorable, gaping maw. I've done it, I admit it. But I've been on my way to change that as of late.
What's The Problem?
If you watch the
local news, or pick up a magazine, everyone is trying to eat better.
The aging Baby-Boomer generation has started displaying an alarming
rate of illnesses; from obesity and diabetes, to heart disease and
cancer. Healthcare professionals have made a crucial link from health
problems such as these to what people put int their mouths on a daily
basis. What we eat can do us all a great deal of harm, if we don't
think of the long-term effects. We need to make better food choices
for ourselves, and especially for our children.
I'm on a personal mission this year to feed my kids the healthiest foods possible (cost and availability included, of course). Unfortunately, my little ones get bored really easily with fresh fruit and vegetables, no matter how creatively I cut them! This means I'm now watching labels like a hawk. No trans fats, hydrogenated oils, high-fructose corn syrup or preservatives. I am also trying to avoid purchasing foods with MSG, artificial colors and flavors, and GMOs (genetically modified organisms). The image that flashed to mind with a term like GMO is a fish with three eyeballs. Ick.
The Changes
With restrictions
such as these, I'm bound for the all-natural, organic aisle at the
local grocery store. Here you can find a variety of tasty treats,
like organic fruit snacks and fruit ropes (a big favorite with my
kids); trail mix and all-natural fruit bars. You will also see many
different kinds of organic crackers, healthy chips, dried fruits and
nuts, etc. The choices go on and on. These types of snacks are
perfect for toddlers and kids of all ages; even for parents looking
for low-fat, low-calorie alternatives. Most stores offer a section
for vegan-eaters, those with wheat and dairy allergies, and those
avoiding products made with gluten.
The more popular these healthy, organic brands become, the easier they are to find, along with being more reasonably priced. Eating better shouldn't eat up your savings. Stores like Trader Joe's and Wholefoods Market offer a wide variety of all-natural, organic foods. Check your local supermarket for the organics aisle. Or look for them online! I found a great site for healthy snacks at yumyumsnack.com.
We Can Make The Change
It starts with
you, mom and dad, grandma, grandpa, auntie, and the assortment of
other caregivers out there. Make a healthy choice in what you feed to
our future. Help your kids, yourself, and the planet stay as healthy
as possible!
GO GREEN!
What change will you make this year? Leave comments below.
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