Treat Responsibly Treat Responsibly
Share This
Treating With Food: What’s Okay?
By Mary Bamford – Registered Dietitian
According to the a recent survey of Canadian dietitians conducted by Kinder chocolate, 85% of dietitians agree that occasional treats have a role to play in a child’s balanced diet. But how can you be sure you’re treating appropriately?
Click on the star to rate:
Each child is unique, so it is important to begin with identifying what foods and eating experiences your children enjoy most. Determining their ideal treat will make it extra special for them to enjoy.
A lot of parents have a difficult time determining what is and is not healthy when treating with food. Here are tips to keep in mind when treating with food:
Consider portion size
There is room in a child’s diet to enjoy treats such as cookies, ice cream, chips and chocolate. For younger children, allowing around 100 calories per day as a treat allows you to teach the importance of portion control. Older children and female teens are allowed 150 to 200 calories per day and 200 to 400 calories per day for active teen boys. When asked if chocolate products are currently offered in portion sizes that are appropriate for children, 61.5% of dietitians replied “not really” or “not at all,” which is why Kinder introduced new Kinder chocolate, made small enough for a child-sized treat.
Hit the pleasure target
Food preferences frequently change with children. Be sure to ask them on a regular basis what their favourite foods and eating experiences are. What foods do they like best in the summer/winter? Do they enjoy eating with family at home, a picnic at the park, or with friends at a restaurant?
Add some adventure to treats
Expand your children’s preferences for treat foods. For example, if they like chocolate, combine it with a variety of fruits and set up a tasting experience.
Don’t stress
The Kinder Survey reveals that 91% of dietitians agree that parents should feel comfortable including chocolate in their children’s diets on a periodic basis. Remember that there is no such thing as a bad food when consumed in moderation.