Cut Back on Your Kid’s Sweet Treats

Serve Small Portions

It’s not necessary to get rid of all sweets and desserts. Show kids that a small number of treats can go a long way. Use smaller bowls and plates for these foods. Have them share a candy bar or split a large cupcake.

Make Fruit the Everyday Dessert

Serve baked apples, pears, or enjoy a fruit salad. Or, serve yummy frozen juice bars (100% juice) instead of high-calorie desserts.

Make Treats “Treats,” Not Everyday Foods

Treats are great once in a while. Just don’t make treat foods an everyday thing. Limit sweet treats to special occasions.

Make Food Fun

Sugary foods that are marketed to kids are advertised as “fun foods.” Make nutritious foods fun by preparing them with your child’s help and being creative together. Create a smiley face with sliced bananas and raisins. Cut fruit into fun and easy shapes with cookie cutters.

If Kids Don’t Eat Their Meal, They Don’t Need Sweet “Extras”

Keep in mind that candy or cookies should not replace foods that are not eaten at mealtime.


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