I try to cook something new at least once a week. And yet, I give my kids the same breakfast nearly every day of the week--plain yogurt. However, their yogurt breakfasts vary in one crucial way--the toppings. Plain yogurt is like a blank canvas. You can accessorize your yogurt with nuts, granola, peanut butter, or dried fruit, to name just a few suggestions.
Why do kids enjoy pouring themselves a glass of juice after school? Why do they like dolling out their ketchup from a squeeze bottle? Kids, like adults, want to have some say over their food. They want to feel empowered by the autonomy of decision making. My kids love to demand different toppings on their yogurt based on the whims of their morning tastes. When kids feel vested in the decisions they make over their food choices, they are more likely to eat their food.
One powerful way you can empower your kids and make life a little easier for yourself is to teach your kids how to prepare their own healthy snack. Take something easy like a piece of fruit and teach your kids to accessorize their snack with protein such as cheese, nuts, and peanut butter. Adding protein to their fruit lowers the overall glycemic index of their snack. The contrast of these toppings actually brings out the natural sweetness in the fruit as well. Plus, they will be proud of the creations they make themselves!
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