Your'e Taking Away Our Snack Foods?

I was a bit anxious about leaving a few of the kids' "staples" off of my "cost cutting" shopping list.  Would they survive without fruit snacks, juice, white bread, an assortment of crackers, and cereal?  Would I survive without something "quick and easy" to throw at them when they feel like snacking?  I can't tell you how many times I've sent Phoebe (my 3 year old) to the kitchen  at 6am on Saturday mornings, while I lay in bed breast feeding Greta and trying to get a few more minutes of sleep, to get herself a bowl of dry cereal to munch on.  It was so easy! But was it healthy?  Not so much.

Before we made the big change, I sat down with the kids and talked to them about what we were going to be doing, and how it would effect our eating habits.  They were already used to eating healthy and nutritious foods, but this would be the first time we would cut out COMPLETELY all the snack foods they also enjoy.  My kids are 7, 5, 3, and 1, and THEY LOVE FOOD!  I got a few perplexed looks at first when I told them our bodies didn't really NEED fish crackers, but as soon as I mentioned that, instead, we would be baking more cookies and breads from scratch, their eyes lit up and I could tell they were totally on board.

Since making the switch, our snacks consist of apple and orange slices with yogurt, sliced carrot, cucumber and celery, & homemade whole wheat chocolate chip cookies.  Frankie (my only boy, and the hungriest 5 year old I know) hasn't once asked for any of the old snacks he was used to. This is a miracle!  On top of that, he is less whiny, more focused on his school work (we homeschool and he is in Kindergarten), and he is all around a much much happier little guy.

Here is a HELPFUL TIP:

Post a clear, easy to read (possibly even illustrated) menu on the fridge EACH DAY.  I write mine out the night before so it's ready to go.  I write a big B on top for Breakfast, followed by what will be served that morning. Under that is a large S for Snack, followed by what their snack will be.  Then L for Lunch, S for Snack, and D for Dinner.....all listing what will be served.  This shows them what to expect and when to expect it.  It takes me out of the equation so if they don't like what they're served, it's not my fault, it's the menu's fault.  If the menu shows it, that's what you're eating.  End of discussion.

Children are so innocent and impressionable. It makes me happy to think that I am teaching them healthy eating habits that will shape how they eat for the rest of their lives. They are also learning how to create food with their own hands rather than look for it in a package at the grocery store.  And I hope that in the future, if offered a bowl of fruit loops for breakfast or a bowl of granola with yogurt and berries, they will opt for the latter!

Healthy kids = Happy kids