Hey there! If you’re a busy parent, you know the struggle of juggling work, traffic, and hungry kids during the daily hustle. But here’s a little eye-opener: that post-childcare snack routine might not be as healthy as you think.
A recent study from experts at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital shed some light on what happens in that crucial hour after picking up your little ones. Turns out, it’s a bit of a calorie bomb, with kids gobbling up around 20% of their daily calorie intake during that time. And guess what? A good chunk of it is not exactly the healthiest stuff.
But fear not, there’s a simple tweak that could make a big difference. Instead of hitting up the drive-through or reaching for sugary snacks, why not stock up your car with some healthier alternatives? Think veggie sticks, cheese, fruit slices, and drinks like water or milk. It’s a small change that could set the stage for healthier habits down the road.
Dr. Kristen Copeland, who led the study, points out that this time in a kid’s life is super important for forming habits. So why not use that car ride home as an opportunity to kickstart some good ones?
Sure, it might take a bit of extra effort, but hey, isn’t your kiddo’s health worth it? Plus, who knows, they might just start looking forward to those car snacks as much as they do the junkier options. Win-win!