Food Rewards....

That’s what my kids took for lunch today.  “Meatball salad” lol.  It’s all natural Chicken Meatballs (http://www.fooducate.com/app#page=product&id=2456EAE0-2007-11E1-8977-1231380C180E I get them at Costco, I think they are about $10 and it’s 2 really good sized bags full ), over lettuce, with snap peas and a little shredded cheese, Greek yogurt with frozen blackberries, and half a sprouted wheat bagel from Trader Joe’s.  As I was making it, I was thinking about how I doubted any of their class mates would bring a lunch like this to school, and it actually made me sad. In fact I know none of their other class mates would, they tell me the other kids think their lunches are “Weird” or one kid actually said “gourmet”, You know what my kids tell them “It’s really good actually!”  LoL.

I wish more kids were given the chance to explore healthy options, I think everyone would be amazed at what they found out they actually liked. School is a tough spot for me when it comes to eating healthy.  I do everything I can at home to give the kids healthy options, and choices, but once they are out the door it’s up to them.  And they are kids, and I KNOW they make kid choices when I am not around, and that’s fine, at least it’s better than them eating junk at home and away! 

While I’m on the subject of school and food, what really annoys me is food rewards.  I constantly find candy wrappers in my sons pockets, and they are all from his teacher.  Answered a question right-have a piece of candy, got a good test score- have a piece of candy, did a good deed- oh heck, have some candy!  Even on the larger scale food is a reward, when it comes to competition between classes- winning class gets cupcakes, winning class gets a pizza party.  Why is it always food?  Why can other things be as easy to use, or as good of an incentive?  Fun pencils, erasers, stickers, temp tattoos, bookmarks, tickets for a raffle drawing, small gift cards, etc. I have seriously considered getting together a huge bag of these items and giving them to my sons teacher in hopes of lessening the candy!  Again, I know kids like candy, I like candy, but my point is that it’s not really an occasional treat when it’s given out for EVERYTHING!  And like I said, I know my kids are going to make “kid” choices, and if candy is a choice, that is what they will want, but if it’s not a choice, then we aren't teaching them that food is a reward… they aren't Dogs. 

Ok, End Rant.

So last night we ended up having roasted Chicken, Salad, and Avocado… so tonight I think I will shred the left over chicken and do Chicken Salad, or Chicken Tacos (Luckily this family never tires of mexican style food!)

am on day 4 of this week, and so far I haven’t skipped a work out!  I even dragged myself to the gym and last night even though I REALLY wanted to stay home!  Tonight I have Step class, which I actually look forward to, so I know I won’t miss that.  So as long as I can go tomorrow I will meet my goal!  The eating has been so so…. I did cave and have a strawberry wafer cookie at work yesterday and some junior mints last night…. But hey, it’s still better than what I was doing, lol!!