Snack & Birthday Party Alternatives

I just wrote this article for my mom's club. Just felt like sharing...

Many of you know that I recently converted from eating processed, non-Organic foods to a diet of clean, Organic fruits & veggies, grass-fed meats & sustainable seafood. Along with losing ten pounds, I feel better, have very few headaches and loads more energy. I’m not here today to try and convert you, but to try to give you some simple snack options for you and your children that can give you more energy and possibly even stop the screamy tantrums that happen after your kid leaves a birthday party after consuming a juice box, cake, ice cream and a goodie bag full of candy!

We’ve all fallen into the trap of putting out the usual suspects when we have playdates or parties at our house, but you don’t have to succumb to the standards – you can make a change and your kids will eat it!

Healthy Snack Options:

Whole Grain Goldfish

Seaport Edamame in Pods

Wholly Guacamole Snack packs (or make your own)

GoGo Squeeze Applesauce

Pineapple wedges

Mini apples

Bowl of fresh blueberries, strawberries or raspberries

Pirate Booty popcorn

Hard-boiled eggs

Plain Greek Yogurt, sweetened with Raw Honey

Raw, unsalted almonds, cashews, hazelnuts

Newman’s Own High-Protein Pretzels

Tribe Origins Hummus w/ Veggie sticks (carrots, jicama, celery, bell peppers)

Pumpkin seeds

Refried beans or homemade salsa with tortilla chips

Almond butter or Natural peanut butter with apple wedges

Simply Gogurt

Annie’s Cheddar Bunnies

Whole-grain waffles with nut butter

Organic Tortilla chips, Boulder Canyon Rice & Bean chips, Food Should Taste Good chips

Party Alternatives

• Juice boxes are convenient but contain way too much sugar, try mini bottled water, Horizon Milk or Honest Kids drink pouches (My kids take their own Honest Kids juice or water to a party)
• Never use frosting from a can – it contains hydrogenated oils which are trans fats, amongst other chemicals
• Try serving turkey &/or veggie subs, instead of pizza, big bowls of natural popcorn, homemade pasta salad (instead of the boxed kind) with nitrate-free pepperoni, large green salad with homemade dressing (6 T EVOO, 2 T Balsamic vinegar, sea salt, pepper, 1 t Dijon mustard, 1 minced garlic clove).
• Goody bags filled with non-food treats, like yo-yo’s, crayons, match box cars, princess jewelry, etc…

Remember, the longer the ingredient list, the more processed the “food” item is. Try to eat more protein and veggies and less carbs and sugar! Everyone will be happy and your pants will get a little looser too!