Not today, today the kids are "hungry" every half hour, or so it seems. Are they bored? Are the attention spans not the same as the "older days" because society has our kids wanting everything "right now", "quick", "fast". Are they really hungry or just bored? This comes to the questions that has been asked to me many times by loyal fans of fitnessmomwinecountry. "What do you feed your kids"? "How can I feed my kids healthy food and keep it exciting"? Well I am no different than the rest of you "mommies" out there. I often ask myself the exact same questions as I stand in the middle of my kitchen just staring at the fridge and cupboards thinking what, what can I make them today. Of course as both my children have now rushed into the house pretty much grumpy and aruging because they are "hungry" or just in need of a nap. That rush of panic hits me, but I have learned that if I am shopping properly I can produce a healthy lunch/snack and whip it up in a matter of minutes and look like I am the Super Mom of the neighborhood.
First tip to successful and healthy kids meals, shopping. Hit the market and stay smart, stay focussed. Don't get pulled into the frozen food aisles, you know the one's with the bagel bites, or taquitos, or whatever quick micro meals kids can heat and eat. I am not saying don't pick up the box of popsicles or icecream for the cones. The kids have to be kids and it is summer for crying out loud, but you know what I mean.
We have a child who is hypoglycemic so getting the right foods into him is really important to help the blood sugar and yes a meal/snack every 1 1/2 hour is a must. Anything after that becomes dangerous to his health as we have found out after watching him black out and hit the floor. You become aware of the signs after a while, and thank goodness he has learned to read his body. So eating healthy and wholesome meals is a must. Not the processed and pre-packaged with all the crap and additives.
Making lunches at home can become easy, but what about packing up and leaving for a day trip? Well that should not be any more difficult. Packing up and heading to the beach or off for a family hike or picnic can be just as healthy and easy as staying home. This will again take smart shopping and planning. You don't want to get caught up in running to the snack shack and buying the corn dog or greasy burger. Although we all know they can be tasty. Think fruit, veggies sure you have the chips and the treat but overall keep with the healthy. Make it fun, cut the sandwiches into shapes or use cookie cutters. Pack individual lunch bags for each family member and don't tell them what is in them. This makes it a fun surprise and they have no choice but to eat what you packed because well you are away from home and they need to eat.
So whether you are staying home, heading out on a picnic, family hike or a day at the beach, basically, summer lunches and snacks can be successful and amazing if you put forth the effort. You are teaching your kids at a young age about good food. You are really giving them a great foundation to look back on and you can be the "Cool Mom" that makes fun lunches.