banana-oh-na-na

Life is about balance. Some days we are on it with our healthy eating habits. Other days we enjoy as much dessert as our hearts (or bellies) want us to. BALANCE. When it comes to nutrition and our eating habits, the word balance is discussed quite often, which I believe should be the case, right?
 
As many of you know, I have a heart for working with pre and post-natal mama’s. Obviously I am not a mama, but I love kids and I am blessed to be an auntie to the cutest nephew (soon to be PLURAL as my saster is preggo and due in march!). The idea of educating youngin’s on healthy eating is a total dream. Children start developing their eating habits at a very young age. If we begin promoting wholesome, healthy eating habits at an early age, kids will be off to a great start.
 

Inspired by my clients and my adorable nephew’s love for banana’s, here’s a mini round-up of a few of our favorite banana themed snacks + treats for the health-conscious parent.

1. VIGILANT EATS // SUPERFOOD CEREAL / / BANANA CHIA. Certified organic, gluten-free, vegan and non-GMO. This super yummy single serving cereal is great for on-the-go. Just add cold water and enjoy!  [INGREDIENTS: Rolled Oats*, Oat Flour*, Coconut Palm, Sugar*, Freeze Dried Banana*, Dried, Coconut*, Sunflower Seeds*, Dried Maple, Syrup Powder*, Chia Seeds*, Lucuma, Powder*, Hemp Protein Powder*, Vanilla
   Extract* (* = Organic Contains Coconut)]

 

1. BARE // BANANA CHIPS // Certified organic and gluten-free. Fat-free, free of oils, no preservatives, no added sugar and great source of fiber. SO yum. The perfect go-to to satisfy any craving for something crunchy! Tastes just like sweet bananas, too. [INGREDIENTS: Banana. Just that simple!]

 

1. BARNANA // ORIGINAL CHEWY BANANA BITES // Certified gluten-free, organic, vegan and non-GMO. Zero added sugar, preservatives and cholesterol. Absolutely love these. Imagine banana bread but in a chip form. So good! The small packaging makes it the perfect snack to add to a lunch bag, backpack or purse. [INGREDIENTS: Organic Banana. Organic Banana Powder.] 

 
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little guy LOVES banana's so much that he even had a banana themed birthday party with goodie bags featuring a few of the snacks above! 

Benefits of Bananas as fruit: 
 

• High in Fiber Content.
• Promotes Heart Health.
• Loaded with essential vitamins and minerals, such as calcium, manganese, magnesium, folate, iron and B6.
• Helps with Digestion.
• High Source of Potassium.

 

A few tips on educating healthy food habits to youngin's
 

• Treats are OK! BALANCE, right? Haha. As someone who had an eating disorder, I am very against the idea of restricting food or labeling food as good or bad. This could potentially increase the risk of children develop eating disorders in the future. Rather than banning “unhealthy” foods, promote and provide healthier options (see below).
• Keep healthy options around. The treats listed above are great for on-the-go, busy days. They are also perfect snacks to have around the house. Kids and young teens will eat what's available to them. I always advise keeping yummy and nutritious options like fruit, veggies, whole grains, etc..
• Practice what you preach. As moms, dads, aunts and uncles, our actions are being watched all the time. If you are trying to get your child to eat better, wholesome foods, I encourage you to role model the same in front of them.
• Give them praise. Words of affirmation can really encourage kids to continue to practice what you are praising them for. If you see them reaching for a Fiji apple without you asking them to, why not reward them. Whether it be a trip to the park, a toy, extra T.V. time, whatever it is, it can help!

 
As parents and role models, setting healthy examples and doing all that we can during the early years to help children learn to love healthy foods will most likely lead to them continuing awesome, balanced eating habits into their adulthood.