How do you beat the sweets?

Kids are naturally drawn to sweets. Although I allow occasional indulgences, sometimes they can sneak out before lunch or dinner for some quick bites that I'm unable to stop, like "why is there a candy wrapper in the bedroom?" What do you suggest I do aside from child-proofing the pantry? :-D

Tags: indulgence, kids, snack, sweets

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Permalink Reply by Wendi Barker on October 8, 2009 at 7:16am: Get those really small non-pariels (pastel mints with white sprinkles on the bottom), and when you start craving sugar, eat one or two - that's all it takes.

I read somewhere that when you crave something sweet, eat something with mint in it. It takes away the craving. I have to admit, that I don't know WHY it works, but in my experience it does.

Other minty things you can try: smell mint extract (not quite as good, but will work for me most of the time), brush your teeth with a minty flavored tooth paste, eat an after-dinner mint, I've never tried a sprig of spearamint, but it would probably work too.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Author Laura Elizabeth on October 8, 2009 at 9:59am: Make them chocolate chip cookies. Yes I said chocolate chip cookie. 1-1/2 inch around, use dark chocolate pieces. This kills the sweet craving and one will do it. Dark chocolate is the best for anyone as far as sweets go. Plus it has protein. Yes they get a small portion of sugar, but it's slight compared to wrapped candy! One cookie goes a a long way! They'll love you for it!; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Kaycee Farrell on October 11, 2009 at 12:25pm: My favorite "beat the sweets" snacks for my kids AND me involve chocolate chips!

1. Zucchini Brownies w/ chocolate chips
2. Dark Chocolate Chips and natural peanut butter (just peanuts!)
3. My idea of "Brain Food" = trail mix that has raisins, chocolate chips, almonds and/or cashews, and pretzels are optional.

All of these treats help knock out the sweets without so much sugar and #2 and #3 help me get more protein in without a fight!

Apples and peanut butter are a great after school pick-me-up snack too! Sweet and salty. My fav!; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Heather Kephart on October 12, 2009 at 1:50pm: I have to avoid them like the plague.

Do those little honey sesame candies count as sweets? Because I LOVE those!; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Tracy Barsotti on October 12, 2009 at 4:36pm: We have a "no sugar after 4pm" rule in our house which our kids are surprisingly happy to abide by. Snacks that are within their reach are generally as healthy as I can achieve (whole grain crackers, cheese, apple sauce). The only real candy we keep around are jelly beans which are stockpiled as rewards for chores and cashed in for small toys. They don't want to eat them because essentially they're currency. Also we bought an ice cream maker last year and have had a great time making fruit "ice cream" which is really just plain fruit pureed and frozen (watermelon is a great candidate). They think they're getting dessert, but there is no added sugar. We talk a lot about enjoying our food, how different foods make you strong, fast and smart, and about how sugar is a treat, and is ok in small bits, but in large amounts can be bad for you and make you feel bad. It helps that my son happened to throw up one day after consuming an enormous cupcake. I don't know if the cupcake really caused the sickness, but it definitely convinced him. Unfortunately the message got through so thoroughly that my kids accosted some poor family eating McDonalds happy meals at the park the other day to inform them that they were eating a bag of sugar, salt and fat. Nothing like getting a scolded over lunch by a 4 year old...; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Nina on October 20, 2009 at 9:35pm: Yeah, maybe I should stick to the original strategy. It works anyway. They're just getting smarter in figuring out how to unlock it. Argh, kids nowadays. Too much information. :oD

Victoria Vieira said:
I'd childproof the pantry :)

Mine still has a door handle thingie on it so the four-year-old can't help herself. And anything that's 'junk food' or the like is on a higher shelf and tucked behind stuff so they don't automatically see it and ask for it. I also just tell 'em: "you've already had your sweet stuff today; you can have an apple or a banana if you need a snack."

Victoria, fab single mommy to Bean (4 years) and Miss O (22 months)
http://vickv.blogspot.com/
http://twitter.com/vickwrites; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Nina on October 20, 2009 at 9:39pm: Good thought. Out of sight out of mind, eh?

Dawn said:
Don't keep them in the house. If they are in my house I can't stay away, so I don't expect the kids to.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Nina on October 20, 2009 at 9:42pm: Awesome!

Julie Wilcoxson said:
The rule in my house, is never eat junk in your own house. That is your comfort zone, your place for safety. So I don't bring it in the house. Instead, if we want something sweet, we go out for ice cream, go to the corner store every Friday after school for the kids to pick out their "treat" for the week. Fun things like that. For snacks at home when that sweet tooth hits are: apple slices with natural peanut butter for dipping. sugar free pudding with a tablespoon of cool whip on top, yogurt with a little granola.
Hope this helps.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Nina on October 20, 2009 at 9:55pm: I miss 'em too (gummy bears)! Fruits are the best, oh yeah.

Teri said:
I agree with not having them if you don't want them to have them. Once my daughter was old enough to recognize what we were eating, we gave up candy, cookies, etc. (boy, do I miss gummy bears) I make a big deal out of giving fresh blueberries, raspberries, etc. as a sweet snack. I prefer the natural sugar and the berries have so much nutritional value to them as well.

I think it will be hard to make the transition, but that the rough part will only last a few days, and you have a chance to teach them lifelong healthy habits.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Nina on October 20, 2009 at 10:08pm: Improving their health at the same time teaching them life skills. This is nice!

Heidi Alexander said:
Don't buy them or don't buy them often. One type of dessert at a time and only one package for the month and if they eat it up before the month is gone, then it's gone until the next month-this will help them to appreciate, ration, and not be dependent on sweets , but the PARENT has to stick to it! Also sometimes kids just want the taste of sweet so don't give them whole portions. Instead of candy bars buy a bag of chocolate chips and only pass out like 5 for the taste of chocolate... Its possible I have six kids from teen to toddler- this sweet buying strategy works!; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Nina on October 20, 2009 at 10:11pm: Yes indeed. Thanks! Food shopping with the kids? - that's awesome! How old are they?

Krissy @ B.Inspired, Mama! said:
My little ones go with me to the farmer's market each week to pick out their favorite fruits and veggies. Then I prep it all as soon as I get home so that it's easy to grab when they get hungry or throw on their plates at lunch or dinner. Fruit is a great alternative!; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Nina on October 20, 2009 at 10:24pm: Hi Amanda, thanks! For sure, its not gonna get the best of me. :D

Amanda Winters - A+ Plan said:
Visit www.aplusplan.com! I help people with this problem all of the time, so feel free to contact me for a complimentary phone consultation. I am a Health, Fashion and Lifestyle Consultant who is here to help you feel and look your best. Don't let the sweets OR the guilt get to you!
Amanda; ▶ Reply to This

How do you beat the sweets?

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