Summer's here, yahoo! School's out, and suddenly it feels like someone is asking for a snack every 10 minutes.
In two days, they've cleared out the fridge and half the freezer. As we speak, they're inhaling the last sleeve of crackers in the pantry.
What's the deal?
We know kids don't eat all day long while they're at school. So why are they seemingly ravenous, now that they're home?
They might be bored. They might be extra-hungry from rough-and-tumble summer play. Or they might just be thinking about all that tasty food, suddenly at arm's reach.
Set Healthy Boundaries
Whatever the reason, it's ok to set boundaries around when and how your family eats.
Yes, even in the summer. Balancing healthy habits and a more-relaxed schedule is possible, and it'll help your kids eat healthier snacks, and stay hungry for family mealtimes.
Try implementing one, some, or all of these five fair boundaries:
- We eat off a plate, not straight from a bag or box. (this is a great, ultra-simple way to teach mindful eating.)
- Instead of grabbing something to eat in your room, we eat together.
- When friends come over, we share snacks, but not all the snacks.
- We always aim to include a fruit or veggie with snacks.
- We don't snack in the hour before dinner.
Kids might grumble a little when you're first establishing boundaries, but if you're fair and consistent, they'll adjust. And they'll eat better, too.
Need Fresh Ideas?
If you're still struggling with the WHAT of family feeding, now's a great time to get my Simply Fresh Meals Membership.
I'm kicking off summer by welcoming a ton of new members to my Meal Plan Membership at a special price!
Between now and June 3rd, you can get 365 days of kid-friendly, dietitian-designed meal plans (hello, including snacks!) for less than the price of two starbucks coffees a month.
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Have a happy and healthy week!
P.S. We're all about intentional snacks. Kids need 'em! Check back in two more days to see our list of no-time-to-cook healthy summer snacks.
Wishing You Good Health,
Natalie
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