With obesity on the rise (especially in children) now might be the time to rethink what “fast food” really is!

Let’s face it – we live in a fast paced society. We want everything in an instant. In talking with some young mothers they admit it “seems” easier for them to grab some chips or cookies for their kids after school snack instead of reaching for the healthier things.

Of course we can’t expect the children to pick these things on their own so it is important that healthy things be prepared and ready when they come through the door or at least have them available in the refrigerator. You might say “Well, my kids won’t eat that stuff!” I say, “How come?” Please don’t give up if the kids have turned their nose up to healthier options. Try introducing the healthier snacks little by little – you might try by having them eat some fruit first before having a cookie or a few chips – eventually you will be serving healthier options more frequently and believe it or not the children will actually begin to like it.

The truth is, you CAN control what your kids eat at home, but once they leave the house they are on their own. I know from my own experience that I always chose the “goodies”, instead of the “good things for me”!

We don’t need to make this issue a BIG deal with our kids – we just need to explain that we are trying to eat foods that are healthier and then begin to make some subtle changes using the healthier food options more often. You might get a little “flack” from the kids at first, but hang in there, it will be worth it in the end. (It’s also worth mentioning you’ll be saving a substantial amount of money when you stop buying all the pre-packaged, sugar filled, high calorie, zero nutrition snacks!!)

Some ideas for fast food for YOU AND your KIDS!!

See how fast FRUIT AND VEGGIES can be! They are all natural and some are even prepackaged!!

1. peel a banana
2. eat an apple
3. enjoy juicy red or green grapes or any fruit in season
4. a box of raisins or other dried fruit
5. baby carrots
6. celery sticks with peanut butter
7. open a bag of baby spinach leaves, add other veggies and your favorite dressing
8. raw almonds, walnuts, macadamias, pecans
9. pumpkin seeds

Enjoy an abundance of these FAST FOOD ideas!