Parents - your kids are bringing garbage snacks to school

[Anonymous]

This thread is why there is an obesity epidemic in the Western world. Parents are going to die defending their family's poor food choices. If that's what you want to feed your children, sure, but some of y'all here pretend chocolate milk and pretzels are Mediterranean diet.

It's hard to cultivate good food habits in a country like America, but it is possible with effort. You have to push against what the corporations are selling you as "easy and healthy" snack and lunches because they don't give a shit about your family's health. And, yes, this includes junky school lunches. Yes, kids will keep on craving greasy and sugary foods because these "foods" are made to be highly palatable, very often in a lab. It doesn't mean you should pack this stuff for their school lunch or snack. Try educating them on how good real food is for their bodies. It might be a tough sell, but it's worth a try.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If you are not watching out for this you should be.

On a daily basis I have kids bringing for snack (not dessert):

Packaged muffins, cookies, brownies, Doritos, cheetos. And the quantities they are bringing are astounding too.

This is terrible brain food. It makes them sleepy, unfocused and it’s terrible for their health too!

At our school they hand these out for breakfast- well not "cookies" but sweet muffins and pastries. Plus juice or chocolate milk. I agree it's terrible for the reasons you state but this is far from just a problem of poor parenting.

Chocolate milk is one of the top nutritious recommendations for pretty much every serious athlete in the world. But some influencer or random journalist told you it’s uNhEaLtHy so you get your panties in a twist at the thought of a kid drinking it once or twice a day.

It’s very obvious that most of you do not have older kids (or kids you’ve actually managed to raise to adulthood). The sanctimommy is strong in this thread.

We are not talking about serious athletes recovering from a long run. We are talking about kindergarteners we expect to sit still after giving them a sugar heavy "breakfast." Just give out plain milk FFS.

Valid, but of all the things to complain about, chocolate milk should be low on your list. I see so much worse from my kids' friends - Cheetos, Twinkies, Takis, Doritos, muffins, high sugar fruit roll-ups or fruit snacks with no nutritious content (unlike chocolate milk), etc. None of those kids are fat (yet) - probably because they lead an active lifestyle and have healthy food mixed in. We save chocolate milk for after practices or games, or we make mixers at home, but I don't lose stress over my kid drinking too much chocolate milk/.

[Anonymous]

To do most aspects of parenting well (sleep, nutrition, discipline, education), taking the path of least resistance does not work.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If you are not watching out for this you should be.

On a daily basis I have kids bringing for snack (not dessert):

Packaged muffins, cookies, brownies, Doritos, cheetos. And the quantities they are bringing are astounding too.

This is terrible brain food. It makes them sleepy, unfocused and it’s terrible for their health too!

At our school they hand these out for breakfast- well not "cookies" but sweet muffins and pastries. Plus juice or chocolate milk. I agree it's terrible for the reasons you state but this is far from just a problem of poor parenting.

Chocolate milk is one of the top nutritious recommendations for pretty much every serious athlete in the world. But some influencer or random journalist told you it’s uNhEaLtHy so you get your panties in a twist at the thought of a kid drinking it once or twice a day.

It’s very obvious that most of you do not have older kids (or kids you’ve actually managed to raise to adulthood). The sanctimommy is strong in this thread.

I think the nutritional needs of a serious athlete are quite different than the nutritional needs of an elementary school child....

The point, dummy, was that chocolate milk isn’t inherently unhealthy.

And I actually think growing, active kids DO have nutritional needs more in line with serious athletes than with their middle-aged, ano/orthorexic mommies.

The fact that you think parents who choose regular rather than chocolate milk is a sign of an eating disorder makes you the dummy.

We’re currently discussing choosing between chocolate milk and no milk, fool.

You are. No one is saying offer no milk, fool.

offered =/= consumed. This point has already been raised, many pages ago. Try to keep up!

Kids will consume plain milk it if it’s the only option offered. How is that hard to understand?

Have you met kids? They will not drink something they don’t like just because that is the only option at the time.

Then clearly they are not that thirsty and don't need it. I offer plain milk or water at home and have no problems keeping my kids hydrated.

Good for you! You’re an AMAZING mom! Much better than all the OTHER moms out there!

I give my kids chocolate milk because they like it and they can use some extra fat, calories, and protein. But I’m just an adequate mom.

Serious question, what children these days actually need extra fat, calories, and protein.

DP. Mine does. I don't know any other kid's diet, so I don't know. Getting fat and protein into my elementary schooler is a real challenge.

Your kid is a minority.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This thread is why there is an obesity epidemic in the Western world. Parents are going to die defending their family's poor food choices. If that's what you want to feed your children, sure, but some of y'all here pretend chocolate milk and pretzels are Mediterranean diet.

It's hard to cultivate good food habits in a country like America, but it is possible with effort. You have to push against what the corporations are selling you as "easy and healthy" snack and lunches because they don't give a shit about your family's health. And, yes, this includes junky school lunches. Yes, kids will keep on craving greasy and sugary foods because these "foods" are made to be highly palatable, very often in a lab. It doesn't mean you should pack this stuff for their school lunch or snack. Try educating them on how good real food is for their bodies. It might be a tough sell, but it's worth a try.

Newsflash - the majority of moms who care enough about feeding their kids to “defend” their food choices from the self-appointed dietary police on a random, time-wasting mommy message board are NOT raising obese kids. Get a grip.

[Anonymous]

The only time my kids eat oreos or lifesavers or donuts is at school and this is a regular occurrence. Also, my kids spend most of their screentime at school so I don’t really want to hear any lectures from teachers who pretend that putting on youtube is a “healthy brain break”.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This thread is why there is an obesity epidemic in the Western world. Parents are going to die defending their family's poor food choices. If that's what you want to feed your children, sure, but some of y'all here pretend chocolate milk and pretzels are Mediterranean diet.

It's hard to cultivate good food habits in a country like America, but it is possible with effort. You have to push against what the corporations are selling you as "easy and healthy" snack and lunches because they don't give a shit about your family's health. And, yes, this includes junky school lunches. Yes, kids will keep on craving greasy and sugary foods because these "foods" are made to be highly palatable, very often in a lab. It doesn't mean you should pack this stuff for their school lunch or snack. Try educating them on how good real food is for their bodies. It might be a tough sell, but it's worth a try.

I'm sorry, I still don't understand the issue with providing a portion of pretzels (70ish calories) and a cheese stick or hummus for a snack. That's a carb, a protein, and some fat.

My kids eat whole wheat bread and pasta but that's not easy to send for the snack portion of the day. Why are pretzels being lumped in with Doritos (with all the additives/salt/saturated fat) and cookies (sugar)? That seems nuts.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This thread is why there is an obesity epidemic in the Western world. Parents are going to die defending their family's poor food choices. If that's what you want to feed your children, sure, but some of y'all here pretend chocolate milk and pretzels are Mediterranean diet.

It's hard to cultivate good food habits in a country like America, but it is possible with effort. You have to push against what the corporations are selling you as "easy and healthy" snack and lunches because they don't give a shit about your family's health. And, yes, this includes junky school lunches. Yes, kids will keep on craving greasy and sugary foods because these "foods" are made to be highly palatable, very often in a lab. It doesn't mean you should pack this stuff for their school lunch or snack. Try educating them on how good real food is for their bodies. It might be a tough sell, but it's worth a try.

I'm sorry, I still don't understand the issue with providing a portion of pretzels (70ish calories) and a cheese stick or hummus for a snack. That's a carb, a protein, and some fat.

My kids eat whole wheat bread and pasta but that's not easy to send for the snack portion of the day. Why are pretzels being lumped in with Doritos (with all the additives/salt/saturated fat) and cookies (sugar)? That seems nuts.

If that's the choice, then yes, I'd pick pretzels, too. Carbs are carbs, though, and pretzels are still processed carbs. They are different from whole wheat grains or carbs that come packed with nutrients (veggies, berries, fruits). However, if that's what your child eats with hummus, I agree that it's vastly superior to cookies.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This thread is why there is an obesity epidemic in the Western world. Parents are going to die defending their family's poor food choices. If that's what you want to feed your children, sure, but some of y'all here pretend chocolate milk and pretzels are Mediterranean diet.

It's hard to cultivate good food habits in a country like America, but it is possible with effort. You have to push against what the corporations are selling you as "easy and healthy" snack and lunches because they don't give a shit about your family's health. And, yes, this includes junky school lunches. Yes, kids will keep on craving greasy and sugary foods because these "foods" are made to be highly palatable, very often in a lab. It doesn't mean you should pack this stuff for their school lunch or snack. Try educating them on how good real food is for their bodies. It might be a tough sell, but it's worth a try.

I'm sorry, I still don't understand the issue with providing a portion of pretzels (70ish calories) and a cheese stick or hummus for a snack. That's a carb, a protein, and some fat.

My kids eat whole wheat bread and pasta but that's not easy to send for the snack portion of the day. Why are pretzels being lumped in with Doritos (with all the additives/salt/saturated fat) and cookies (sugar)? That seems nuts.

As the OP, I can affirm this snack would be a huge health upgrade for many of my students. I glanced around today (thinking of this thread) - multiple students had Little Bites muffins, one had a large pre-packed rice krispy treat, one had fritos or something like it and of course my oreo friend.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This thread is why there is an obesity epidemic in the Western world. Parents are going to die defending their family's poor food choices. If that's what you want to feed your children, sure, but some of y'all here pretend chocolate milk and pretzels are Mediterranean diet.

It's hard to cultivate good food habits in a country like America, but it is possible with effort. You have to push against what the corporations are selling you as "easy and healthy" snack and lunches because they don't give a shit about your family's health. And, yes, this includes junky school lunches. Yes, kids will keep on craving greasy and sugary foods because these "foods" are made to be highly palatable, very often in a lab. It doesn't mean you should pack this stuff for their school lunch or snack. Try educating them on how good real food is for their bodies. It might be a tough sell, but it's worth a try.

I'm sorry, I still don't understand the issue with providing a portion of pretzels (70ish calories) and a cheese stick or hummus for a snack. That's a carb, a protein, and some fat.

My kids eat whole wheat bread and pasta but that's not easy to send for the snack portion of the day. Why are pretzels being lumped in with Doritos (with all the additives/salt/saturated fat) and cookies (sugar)? That seems nuts.

As the OP, I can affirm this snack would be a huge health upgrade for many of my students. I glanced around today (thinking of this thread) - multiple students had Little Bites muffins, one had a large pre-packed rice krispy treat, one had fritos or something like it and of course my oreo friend.

I get your complaint and it’s valid- but these are literally things the school gives out for free breakfast everyday and that (other) teachers give out for rewards and snacks.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This thread is why there is an obesity epidemic in the Western world. Parents are going to die defending their family's poor food choices. If that's what you want to feed your children, sure, but some of y'all here pretend chocolate milk and pretzels are Mediterranean diet.

It's hard to cultivate good food habits in a country like America, but it is possible with effort. You have to push against what the corporations are selling you as "easy and healthy" snack and lunches because they don't give a shit about your family's health. And, yes, this includes junky school lunches. Yes, kids will keep on craving greasy and sugary foods because these "foods" are made to be highly palatable, very often in a lab. It doesn't mean you should pack this stuff for their school lunch or snack. Try educating them on how good real food is for their bodies. It might be a tough sell, but it's worth a try.

I'm sorry, I still don't understand the issue with providing a portion of pretzels (70ish calories) and a cheese stick or hummus for a snack. That's a carb, a protein, and some fat.

My kids eat whole wheat bread and pasta but that's not easy to send for the snack portion of the day. Why are pretzels being lumped in with Doritos (with all the additives/salt/saturated fat) and cookies (sugar)? That seems nuts.

As the OP, I can affirm this snack would be a huge health upgrade for many of my students. I glanced around today (thinking of this thread) - multiple students had Little Bites muffins, one had a large pre-packed rice krispy treat, one had fritos or something like it and of course my oreo friend.

Are you private school? I’m guessing so..

Why can’t you just say no classroom snacks. You can say the mess and crumbs creates an ant problem and all foods need to eaten in lunchroom

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This thread is why there is an obesity epidemic in the Western world. Parents are going to die defending their family's poor food choices. If that's what you want to feed your children, sure, but some of y'all here pretend chocolate milk and pretzels are Mediterranean diet.

It's hard to cultivate good food habits in a country like America, but it is possible with effort. You have to push against what the corporations are selling you as "easy and healthy" snack and lunches because they don't give a shit about your family's health. And, yes, this includes junky school lunches. Yes, kids will keep on craving greasy and sugary foods because these "foods" are made to be highly palatable, very often in a lab. It doesn't mean you should pack this stuff for their school lunch or snack. Try educating them on how good real food is for their bodies. It might be a tough sell, but it's worth a try.

I'm sorry, I still don't understand the issue with providing a portion of pretzels (70ish calories) and a cheese stick or hummus for a snack. That's a carb, a protein, and some fat.

My kids eat whole wheat bread and pasta but that's not easy to send for the snack portion of the day. Why are pretzels being lumped in with Doritos (with all the additives/salt/saturated fat) and cookies (sugar)? That seems nuts.

As the OP, I can affirm this snack would be a huge health upgrade for many of my students. I glanced around today (thinking of this thread) - multiple students had Little Bites muffins, one had a large pre-packed rice krispy treat, one had fritos or something like it and of course my oreo friend.

Are you private school? I’m guessing so..

Why can’t you just say no classroom snacks. You can say the mess and crumbs creates an ant problem and all foods need to eaten in lunchroom

Nope. LCPS.

[Anonymous]

OP again. You see the parent reaction to the suggestion that snack should be healthy. Now imagine the uproar if I tried to tell parents no snack at all! Someone would definitely complain to admin and I’d be told I have to allow snack.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP again. You see the parent reaction to the suggestion that snack should be healthy. Now imagine the uproar if I tried to tell parents no snack at all! Someone would definitely complain to admin and I’d be told I have to allow snack.

Good. It's none of your business. If you can't handle letting parents do the parenting without running off to tattle to DCUM about it, you should quit. I'd rather my kid have no teacher at all than one like you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This thread is why there is an obesity epidemic in the Western world. Parents are going to die defending their family's poor food choices. If that's what you want to feed your children, sure, but some of y'all here pretend chocolate milk and pretzels are Mediterranean diet.

It's hard to cultivate good food habits in a country like America, but it is possible with effort. You have to push against what the corporations are selling you as "easy and healthy" snack and lunches because they don't give a shit about your family's health. And, yes, this includes junky school lunches. Yes, kids will keep on craving greasy and sugary foods because these "foods" are made to be highly palatable, very often in a lab. It doesn't mean you should pack this stuff for their school lunch or snack. Try educating them on how good real food is for their bodies. It might be a tough sell, but it's worth a try.

I'm sorry, I still don't understand the issue with providing a portion of pretzels (70ish calories) and a cheese stick or hummus for a snack. That's a carb, a protein, and some fat.

My kids eat whole wheat bread and pasta but that's not easy to send for the snack portion of the day. Why are pretzels being lumped in with Doritos (with all the additives/salt/saturated fat) and cookies (sugar)? That seems nuts.

The pretzels are being lumped in with the Doritos because they are ALSO just empty calories - they just don’t taste as good. Pretzel defenders have fallen victim to the health halo effect.

That being said, let your kids eat pretzels if you want. My kid would prefer cheese puffs. They’re both getting calories out of it and little else.