On any given day you will find me frantically running out of the house in the mornings hoping I have remembered 3 backpacks, lunches, homework, and all three kids.
No exaggeration.
Most days we just barely make it to school on time, the other days we’re late. Thank you school report cards for the reminder of exactly how many misses I’ve had. Sigh.
There is a high chance this represents most of your mornings too – whether your kids are in school or not.
We all know that life as a mom is crazy busy. I know, believe me.
In an effort to save time, we often have to find creative ways to cut corners. Isn’t that just part of our job description?
With that can come some ingenious ideas or some we eventually live to regret.
The one I’m most concerned about are the packaged snacks you are putting in your kids lunch boxes.
Those high in fat, sugar, and sodium snacks that are low in fiber and nutrients might seem great in a pinch, and frankly their health claims might even make them sound healthy enough – but I’m telling you … it’s not worth it.
We could discuss the effects of excess fat on childhood obesity, or how too much sugar can cause fatigue, lack of concentration, behaviour issues, and such.
But, you already know that. What I want to help you understand is that the point of food is not to “fill their bellies”.
Food is fuel and should always have a purpose.
A snack is meant to be nutritious so it can replenish nutrients and aid in regulating blood sugar levels to prevent a crash before the next meal.
They are meant to serve a purpose, not a desire.
What you feed your child at snack can directly affect their performance in school and sports as well as their behaviour.
We also know that lack of nutrients early in life may not have a noticeable impact on them now, but will eventually catch up to them.
Instead of feeding them packaged snacks, how about throwing in a couple of these nutritious pumpkin cookies? You’ll feel better knowing they’re getting a nutritious snack, and it will help improve their overall health too.
