The earlier you begin to teach healthier lifestyle choices to children the better they will be able to differentiate between a treat and a snack. Snacks should be viewed as part of healthy nutrition and include such things as nuts, low fat cheese, whole grain bread and a host of other delicious ones to choose from. One key to getting a kid to like a healthier choice is to devise ways to make it inviting and fun. Kids like to dip..so when giving a snack like baby carrots, celery sticks, or sugar snap peas have some low fat ranch dressing or organic humus as a dip.  The fresh fruit snacks can be partnered with all natural applesauce, fruit yogurt or a sweeter dip made from low fat sour cream & honey. Presentation is also a way to make snacks more appealing. Make melon balls with the melon fruits using colorful toothpicks for picking them up. Since frozen treats like ice cream are always a favorite…make it a snack experience by freezing  grapes or a frozen banana rolled in carob powder and nuts. You can even make certain cookies healthier by adjusting the recipe and substituting the unhealthier ingredients with things such as honey, brown sugar, whole wheat flour, oats, nuts and fruits.

Treats are just that “a treat” which are usually higher in sugar, fat and calories and should be consumed very sparingly. An example of a treat would be what many call breakfast, donuts or pastry…which is never a healthier choice for breakfast.

If parents set the tone and lead by their example children will grow up enjoying snacks and become accustomed to reserving treats for a special occasions as a birthday celebration.

My Pearls of Health