Free Range Snacking

We're a society that's overly protective of or kids.There's not an hour of the day when they're not monitored. Instead of teaching them even a whit of independence, we  breathe down their necks. Yet there's one area where we tend to be ore free range - snacking.

There's a reason why childhood obesity is high here in the States and following right behind us is Britain. There are way too many snacks and temptations.We may fret who they're on line with which is valid - yet we tend to look the other way with treats. Granted, some obesity and extra pounds may be due to metabolism and genes however some of the blame has to go to snacking and the accessibility of junk food. Shopping lists may reflect our healthy choices and wishes yet kids, especially tweens will have other ideas. Many go for those bags of chips and something sweet to drink. Some, who have been raised on just relying on bottled water for hydration with stick with that. Yet , most kids , mimicking their elders , will glug down a Red Bull or some other highly caffeinated drink.Or they'll go for a large , sugary latte, laced with either chocolate or caramel syrup and topped with a large blob of whipped cream. Then there are the ice cream parlors such as Sixteen Handles where large scoops are encouraged along with covering them with calorie rich toppings such as whipped cream and candies.

So what's a parent to do? It sounds like the tritest answer ever but set a good example. Snack and eat healthy foods at all times. Yes, that hidden box of chocolates or Hostess cupcakes help during the rough times. Yet what happens when the kids catch you and think it's OK to go treat crazy when they get a bad grade or their team loses?Save the cakes and cupcakes for special times like birthdays and holidays. Emphasize that a sweet treat could mean a nice, cold plum, nectarine or peach plucked from the fridge.Also, even though this has been stated time and time again, make fruit fun. Have fruit kebabs where you can skewer strawberries with melon and pineapple chunks.Layer it with Greek yogurt and homemade sugar free granola for a tasty parfait. Introduce them to extra dark chocolate if they still crave it. Try the seventy to ninety per cent for the older kids. Younger ones can start out with semi sweet which is thirty-five per cent. Be warned though, - all chocolate contains caffeine and should be eaten sparingly. Once a week is fine.

We need to be more restrictive with our food censorship. As we try to filter  out all the bed elements in kids' live, we need to do the same with food and drink. It won't be easy , but then neither are the other aspects in a kid's life.