To piggyback on my post from last week, I’d like to share a couple of heartwarming stories that make me ever more confident in providing fresh, real food for our kids rather than processed snacks, candy and other not-so-healthy treats, in and them not only enjoying it, but asking for more!
When we moved out to Wagram in the summer of 2023, our sons made friends with the little boy across the street and his sister but really bonded with the little boy. It was a hot, typical NC summer, and fresh fruit is plentiful in our house. My boys came in to get a snack, chose cherries, and took them out to share with their new friend.
Cherries have always been a favorite of Jackson and Willy, so whenever they are in season, I like to have them on hand. Their new friend had never had cherries before, and was a little skeptical at first, but the look on his face when he bit into one was priceless. Of course, the boys taught him how to spit the seeds and I delighted in their laughter. They finished the whole bag between the three of them! They went back to playing, but before he went home that evening, he came and asked me “Mrs. Amanda, do you think you could buy some more cherries at the store?” I laughed and told him that I would, and I did. He came over a few days later and told me they were the best thing he had ever eaten. From that day on, whenever he came over to play, he always asked for fruit. It didn’t matter what we had, he would happily eat it! He has since moved away, but I certainly hope he doesn’t lose his love of fresh fruit, and that someone provides some for him. I also hope he looks back on his time in our home and remembers his excitement over cherries, because I won’t forget his little face and those eyes light up over the flavor he had never tasted before.
Then last October, we were invited to be a vendor at a Glow Party event at our local recreation center and thought it would be a great opportunity to mingle in the community and get to know our local townfolk. We were told to bring something to pass out to the kids. Of course, the treat of choice at events involving kids is candy, and there was plenty of that being passed out that evening. But with us being us, we decided to put a healthy spin on our treat and provided apples, mandarin oranges and grapes. And let me tell you, the excitement over our fresh fruit was unbelievable! We were cleaned out in the first thirty minutes of the event, and Nate had to make a trip to Walmart for more! Kids were asking if they could have one of each, and several came back again for more, even in the midst of all the candy being handed out!
It tickled me that the kids were thrilled to be getting fruit and started eating it right there at our table! It also solidified my belief that if given the choice, children will choose fresh fruit and healthy options. They are kids, so of course they chose the candy too, but hey, little nudges! We just need to give them that choice and not make a huge deal over it, simply have it within their reach and then watch the magic happen! Try it; I promise you’ll be amazed too.
Rethinking snack time doesn't have to be hard. Just sub those chips and other easy snack foods (goldfish, crackers, cheese puffs, etc.) for some really easy choices: mandarin oranges, grapes and cut-up apples are so simple and if placed out where your children can see them, they will graze on them. I always try to keep a variety of fruits on hand for the "Mama! I'm starving, what can I eat?" moments. Fresh berries in the summertime are another hit in our house. Making healthy swaps is a gradual process, but I am confident that you can change your child's tastebuds and make them actually want healthy, fresh, real food instead of processed junk. I hope my two stories have inspired you to make small nudges of your own.
Until next time.
Love, Dr. Amanda
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