From the moment my daughter was born, food has been an “issue” for her. I was unable to breastfeed but thanks to preplanning research during the “what if” phase of our pregnancy we knew exactly which brand would be best to help her grow big and strong. Unfortunately, she was allergic to it as well as a number of others that we tried. Once we found the right one for her, we stuck with it and were just thankful that it was there to aid in her growth.
As soon as we were permitted to add real foods, we jumped at the chance. We couldn’t wait to introduce her to new tastes and textures. We were excited to watch her grow even bigger and stronger. Unfortunately, her little taste buds didn’t agree. I remember going to doctor’s appointments and them commenting on her being healthy but underweight. We continuously expressed our concerns about her eating. At first, the doctor said we should just keep offering foods and she would eat when she was hungry. Then, they said we should offer her anything that she was willing to eat. Hot dogs with ketchup, chicken nuggets, and juice became our “go-to” options to ensure that she ate and make sure her body was getting what was needed in order to grow. Once again, we stuck with what worked and were thankful that she was growing.
We have worked diligently to add new foods to her repertoire, unfortunately it has been a daunting task as now she has a taste for a certain type of food and drink and tends to be drawn to them. Since it wasn’t “broke” and the doctor always deemed her perfectly healthy, we continued the status quo until last year when we took her to the dentist and she needed dental work for cavities. Then, we started noticing that she was forming a little tummy. It was time for a change.
Since my husband suffered with dental problems as a child, and even has random popup problems now as an adult, this was concerning. As someone who has struggled with my weight for as long as I can remember, this was extra concerning. It was time for a drastic change but we wanted to make changes without her feeling “punished” or deprived. I know this sounds simple but it is much easier said than done.
First, we have reduced her juice intake and switched to flavored water. Her “chicken nuggets” are now grilled pieces of chicken. As for hot dogs, they are used more as a treat and the type that we eat is different. But that was only half the battle, we eat three meals a day and my little one eats at least two snacks a day. The meals have been manageable since I try to focus on healthful combinations that my family enjoys.
The snacks can be a bit more trying. At least one of her snack times is while in school. This is supposed to be a “small bite” just to tide her tummy over until lunchtime. At the beginning of the schoolyear we focused on sending fruits but she got bored with our variety rather quickly. We changed it up to other healthful treats but she would come home complaining that her friends were bringing in cookies, chips, snack bars, pretzels, and the like.
After some trial and error, we now have a steady rotation of snacks that she is able to choose from every day. This has been great for two reasons. First, it allows my little one to play an active role in making choices about her eating. Second, this allows us to have control of the types of foods that she is eating. The fruit was a no-brainer, the salty was a bit challenging but not bad, but the sweet… oh boy … this one took the longest. We really had to look at what’s inside each product and determine if the healthy options that we were seeking were really what we were looking for. Not all “snack bars” are created equal but what we found has been a hit and at least four out of the five school days, she elects to take our winner with her.
Super Fiber Chia Bars from vivaNUTRITION® for the WIN!
As a mamma to a little one with dental problems, I am thankful that the vivaNUTRITION® bars contain no added sugars, as all the sweetness comes from fruits. They also are non-GMO and no gluten, dairy, synthetic colors or flavors. As a mamma looking to provide healthier options, I love that the bars combine protein-rich Chia grains with other natural ingredients such as oats, chicory root, and fruits and vegetables, which are all top-quality sources of Prebiotic dietary fibers and antioxidants. In other words, things that parents REALLY want their little ones to eat.
vivaNUTRITION® Super Fiber Chia Bars come in two versions, the Blueberry & Carrot flavor, and the Raspberry & Red Beet flavor. These nutritious snacks come in a box of 5 super fiber bars, have a moist texture (a bonus for a little getting in teeth or with dental problems), and are made especially for kids.
The first time my little one tried a Super Fiber Chia Bar she commented on how cute the packing was. Then she opened the package and freaked out about how “super cute” the bars are. Since pink is her favorite color, she opted to try the Raspberry & Red Beet flavor bar first. I held my breath and waited for her reaction. She started dancing around and decided to try the Blueberry & Carrot flavor. BOTH were a hit! I’m pretty sure she went to school and showed off her new treats but who could blame her?
I should probably come clean and admit that I too tried her new bars and they’re great! Even though I knew I was eating a snack packed full of natural, healthy ingredients, I didn’t feel like I was eating health food and I didn’t feel deprived. Seriously, you have to try them and you’ll feel the same!
Thanks to our friends at vivaNUTRITION®, I am excited to share that we are able to offer our readers a 25% discount on your purchase. Simply enter promotional coupon code: HealthyKids at checkout.
Get 25% OFF YOUR vivaNUTRITION® order … enter HealthyKids at checkout!
BUT WAIT … there’s a GIVEAWAY, too!!
GIVEAWAY
THREE (3) lucky readers will win a CASE of Super Fiber Chia Bars from vivaNUTRITION® (RV $80)
Version of winner’s choice (Blueberry & Carrot flavor OR Raspberry & Red Beet flavor)
This giveaway is open to residents of the United States ONLY (void where prohibited) who are 18 years or older.
The giveaway will run through Thursday, March 9, 2017 at 11:59 PM EST
Enter using the easy Giveaway Tools below.
Good luck!
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Disclaimer: This post is written in collaboration with vivaNUTRITION®. Regardless, all opinions expressed are still 100% my own.
Giveaway Disclaimer: We are not associated with any of the companies named above. No purchase is necessary to enter. Void where prohibited by law. The odds of winning are based on the number of entries received Open to WW 18+ only. Confirmed Winner(s) (by Giveaway Tools) will be contacted by email. Winner(s) have 48 hours to respond before a new winner is chosen. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited by law. The sponsor will be responsible for product shipment to winner(s) of this giveaway. My blog is not responsible for product shipment/delivery. This event is in no way administered, sponsored, or endorsed by, or associated with, Facebook and/or Twitter, Google, or Pinterest. This disclosure is done in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 10 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
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