You are headed for groceries and you stop to grab a coffee or tea. Your child immediately asks “Can I have a donut please???” Then there is silence while you debate what to say. What will your answer be???
I’m pretty sure every mom has been through this scenario at least once, if not multiple times. Even if you have only ever bought them one donut in their lives. Kids don’t forget!
Okay, so back to my question. What do you say???
Here are a few scenarios.
1) “No, donuts are full of sugar and bad for you!”
Translation: Things that taste good will harm me. Outcome: Fear of higher sugar food and guilt if consuming it. Poor relationship with food.
2) “Yes, you can have one, but only because you were so good this morning.”
Translation: I can have treats when I behave well. Outcome: Reward-based food choices and emotion-based eating.
3) “Donuts are yummy aren’t they?! I actually brought one of the homemade donuts we baked together yesterday for you. But let’s plan to buy one here next Wednesday when we run errands together.”
Translation: Food is meant to be enjoyed. Sometimes we eat baked goods from home and sometimes we buy them at a cafe. Outcome: Healthy relationship with food and understanding of moderation with both food and financial choices.
The words we use when talking about food make a life-long difference for our little ones. Cheers to raising a generation with a healthy relationship with food and their bodies!!!
And in case you want to make these donuts, here is the recipe!
Homemade Donuts
(Makes 12 Donuts)
Ingredients
1.5 cups whole wheat flour
1 scoop Healthy Height Vanilla Protein Powder
2 tsp. baking powder
1 cup milk
1 egg
1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce OR 1 ripe banana mashed
1/4 cup canola oil or avocado oil
1/4 cup maple syrup
Optional: Blueberries, Chocolate Chips, and/or Sprinkles to decorate.
Instructions
1) Mix together dry ingredients and set aside.
2) Mix together wet ingredients and add them to the dry ingredients. Try to not over-stir.
3) Pour batter into donut tin (or muffin tin if you do not have a donut tin). Add toppings as desired.
4) Bake at 400F for 20-24 minutes (or until they are cooked through and a toothpick comes out clean.)
I use Healthy Height in our energy balls, smoothies, muffins, and more to add more nutrient density. If you are interested in having this too you can use the code NOELLE25 for 25% off.