8/25/2004

VINDICATION BY ADMINISTRATIVE FIAT

So one of the ongoing discussions in our marriage is over the value of fruit snacks, which is distinct from the value of snacking on fruit. For the non-parental, “fruit snacks” are (in my wife’s opinion) a healthy food kids will actually eat, or (in my opinion) cross-branded GummiBears shot full of synthetic vitamin C in an effort to convince guilt-ridden parents that they’re not really giving their kids a small bag of candy. My stance is, if you want your child to eat fruit, then give them fruit, since it’s cheaper and healthier than giving them a bag of little grape-flavored SpongeBobs. My wife’s stance is, kids think fruit is slimy and at least fruit snacks have vitamin C.

Anyway, my stepdaughter (who shares her stepdad’s fondness for white peaches and Gala apples) starts 1st grade next week, and the school she goes to requires parents to send along two healthy snacks in addition to lunch. Now, guess what is specifically excluded from the list of healthy snacks, along with candy, cookies, and chips? Hint: it’s not white peaches.

Posted by Mark @ 12:14 pm | | Permalink
This post is filed under: De Gustibus

5 Comments

  1. Look on the label of the “fruit snacks”. Do you see “fructose” near the top of the ingredients list? If so, then you’re loading your kids up with a substance that *will* make them fat (or fatter).

    If you are going to pack a snack with lots of calories, your best bet is to go with something with a higher fat and lower sugar content. That will make your kid feel full faster, and they won’t have a tendency to overeat or get the munchies later.

    Comment by Dave — 8/25/2004 @ 2:56 pm

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  3. Is the answer “Gala apples”?

    Comment by Paul — 8/25/2004 @ 3:18 pm

  4. Have dealt with the same issue at our house, and I found some “fruit snacks” that are actually good for you. Costco carries a variety pack of these:

    http://kettlevalley.net/realfruit.htm

    which are good (well, me and the stepson think so; my wife hates them) AND good for you.

    Comment by M1EK — 8/30/2004 @ 1:21 pm

  5. Man I hated the whole healthy snack list when my girls were in preschool. Drove me insane.

    Comment by Allison — 2/22/2005 @ 10:24 am

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