Mommy – can I have a snack? How many times have you heard that one? Countless, I’m sure. There are many times when it seems as though I just made my way out of the kitchen only to hear a little voice beckoning for yet another snack. More often than not, I have no issue conceding to the snack in question, however it is often the specific snack requested that I take issue with.

Unfortunately, television advertisements do little in the way of helping moms encourage their young ones to embrace healthier snack options. Try explaining to a three year old that the mesmerizing treat that just jumped out of the television in colorful 3-D action is not a healthy snack. They are probably still in a trance from what they just witnessed so chances are your voice won’t even register.

The good news is that with a little perseverance and a few “because I’m mommy and I said so’s”, you can break the hypnotic spell that was cast unfairly on your unsuspecting child and provide healthy snack options that may even go undetected as such. Nowadays, healthier versions of popular kid favorites are available and market themselves accordingly making it easier for moms to eye them on the shelves. I have been able to find replacements for favorites such as granola bars, cereal bars, fruit roll-ups, and the ever popular - cheese crackers, just to name a few.

Look for the following statements listed directly on products when searching for healthier snack options:

· No High Fructose Corn Syrup
· No Hydrogenated Oils
· No Artificial Preservatives or Flavors
· No Trans Fat

Additionally, if a product markets itself as “organic”, it is more than likely a safe bet! Quickly scan the ingredients to confirm the absence of the no-no’s listed above.

Of course, nothing could be healthier than good, old-fashioned fruit, whole grains, and vegetables. However, they may take more convincing than others on your part. Try providing a kid friendly dip or spread to do the convincing for you! Here are a few examples:

· Apple Slices with Peanut Butter
· 100% Whole-Wheat Mini Bagels with Low-Sugar Jelly or
Low-Fat Flavored Cream Cheese
· Carrot Wedges with Light Ranch Dressing

Instilling healthy habits in terms of food choices early in the lives of our children will translate into healthy habits that positively affect the future health of our children.

Health & Success,

Alison

Author's Bio: 

Alison M. Fadoul is “America’s #1 Mom Motivator,” and the author of the forthcoming book The Hot Mommy Next Door: A Quick, Easy, and Effective Way to Drop Your Baby Weight and Achieve Your Personal Best After Pregnancy. Alison is a certified Spinning® instructor and founder of the Hot Mommy Next Door, a web source and consulting service for mothers of newborns and young children who want to drop their unwanted, leftover baby weight and achieve their personal best physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Sign up now for her free weekly Ezine, “Tips from the Hot Mommy Next Door,” at www.thehmnd.com and receive these two “free” gifts: the Hot Mommy Next Door shopping list and an audio program featuring an interview with Alison. To inquire about Alison’s availability and fees, please contact her via info@thehmnd.com or call 954/304-5481.