Tempering the Sweet Tooth
Let’s face it, most of us have a sweet tooth or a craving for that one particular sweet. As parents, we do our best to teach our kids to make healthy choices, but if we totally ban the “forbidden fruit” one has to wonder if we are just creating a problem of sugar binge eating later in life (when we are not around to act as the food police). Does that mean we keep an endless supply of sweets on hand at all times? No. Does that mean we let our kids run around with glow in the dark lollipops and other nutritionally devoid junk food candy whenever they want it? No. What is does mean is that we can lighten up and allow our kids to experience being kids; while at the same time, we can provide sweet treats that don’t contain unnecessarily harsh chemicals, food additives, preservatives, unhealthy oils, food coloring, and artificial sweeteners. With Halloween just around the corner it is perfect timing to be engaging in this dialog.
One of the big challenges for all of us, parents or not, is how to know where to draw the line. Do we make exceptions for office parties, soccer practice/games, birthday parties. As parents there have been several occasions when we have wanted to throw away the “goodie bag” from one of the parties my daughter has attended or toss all the Halloween candy. But then how does that empower our daughter? Not so much. Here are some options for those moments. One option is to keep a stash of healthy indulgences at home. You can choose Fair Trade chocolate squares, peanut butter pretzels, naturally flavored/colored jellybeans, gummy bears or lollipops (for rare occasions). Better yet, make homemade goodies together. Homemade cookies are almost always a better choice than store bought. Offer to trade the good stuff for some of the garbage the kids bring home. You can also trade for non- edible treats like fun pens and pencils, stickers, glow bracelets, computer time or television time. Help your kids make the best decision they can. If they are super attached to the goodies in the goody bag then you ought probably let them have them, as much as you cringe at the thought. One caveat here is that if you know your child has a negative reaction to certain candy, coloring, gluten, additives or sweeteners, then by all means, be a responsible parent and just take it away and offer your child something else that is more supportive of their overall health and immunity. And make sure to balance the “garbage” with healthy meal choices, plenty of vegetables and balanced protein.
When it comes to hosting your own birthday celebrations, consider homemade. You’ll be surprised that it doesn’t take that much time to knock out a homemade birthday cake, complete with decorative frosting, fun candles and devoid of partially hydrogenated oils, artificial flavoring, coloring, and preservatives. There are plenty of nutritionally-minded companies out there that make cake mix and frosting mix in a box – that will save you on money, energy, and another trip to the grocery store or bakery. We will list some of those resources here at the bottom. Keep in mind that most commercially packaged cake mixes do still contain a lot of the bad stuff, so read labels.
Here are some more ideas and resources for having sweet treats on hand. Teach yourself and your children to honor portion control. Aim for balance and eating a variety of healthy foods, grains, fruits, and vegetables to keep your immune system strong.
Sweet snacks:
Newmans Own Organics – Fig Newmans, Newman O’s and other cookies. www.newmansownorganics.com
Back To Nature – Cinnamon Graham Sticks, Cookies, Crackers
www.backtonaturefoods.com
Arrowhead Mills – Cake mixes, cookie mix, brownie mix, gluten-free
www.arrowheadmills.com
Clif Bar – Twisted Fruit (new), Bars in many flavors
www.clifbar.com
Nature’s Path – Toaster pastries, cereals, cookie mix, waffles
www.naturespath.com
Halloween Alternatives:
Yummy Earth Organic Lollipops – yummyearth.com
Naturalcandystore.com
“Green Halloween” goods – recyclingiscool.com
October 12, 2010
by Optimum WellnessComments
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