[JSerene]

How often do you let your toddler snack on junk? I'm growing a little more relaxed with dd's diet, but I don't want to get too relaxed, kwim? Two or three times a week I will share a few bites of cookie, chocolate or ice cream with her. If I'm eating something, she HAS to have some, so of course I give it to her. I want her to eat well, but I also don't want to make dessert a big deal. She loves treats, but readily accepts it when I say it's "all gone". She'll be 15 months old tomorrow.

 

[Susuhound]

My little one junk food has more than I would choose. The main reason is that I find it difficult to completely modify my diet, which 'should' be as healthy as hers. having said that can you stop eating that stuff yourself? I am currently on a 'resolution' to be doing that. So far this week it's working.
I guess you have to work out your own comfort level about this kind of thing. I personally believe there is no need for ice cream etc at any time, but yk, btdt it's hard isn't it? maybe just save it for birthdays and things? I try to have lots of fruit, sultanas etc around to offer her, and we never actually buy junk in the grocery shopping, but somehow manage to get it when we go out. At least if it's never in the house it's a good start.

 

[proudmamanow]

this is a good question. We were very strict with dd's diet until about 2 months ago, and have relaxed a lot like the OP. We were just on holiday and dd sampled all kinds of treats (ice cream, donuts, fries) that we don't normally eat...but we are also trying really hard to renovate our own eating so that there is no crap in it (or that the junk is eaten after she's in bed....). I agree though that I don't feel like completely forbidding things b/c I don't want her to think it's a huge deal.

I'll be interested in what people say...

 

[JSerene]

That's the thing, I don't want to give up dessert

. I went from fighting with my family over not allowing cake and ice cream on her 1st birthday to offering her ice cream myself just a few months later (though in my own defense, she hadn't even had dairy yet at that point, so I certainly wasn't going to start with ice cream).

My other train of that is that I want her to enjoy food. She has such a lust for life and food is one of the things that gives pleasure. I want her to experience the joy of an amazing piece of cake every once in a while. But, how much is too much? Once a month, once a week? Has anyone thought about this? Maybe I'm overthinking it...

I'm a "health food nut" so in between the occasional sweets she's eating nothing but nutrient dense, whole, organic food + mamma's milk.

 

[BlueStateMama]

I don't keep most "junk" in the house and the kids eat a healthful, nutritionally balanced diet day to day. That being said, I don't sweat it if they have some cake at a birthday party, a few french fries at a restaurant, etc. *Occasional* "treat" food is part of an overall balance for us - I don't "criminalize" any foods. We stress the importance of "grow" food with both of them and that's what consitutes the vast majority of their diet.

I limit my own treats - ie I have some Skinny Cow ice cream sandwiches and I break them out after everyone's in bed. It's my reward after a day of being mama.

 

[MamaPam]

We have been thinking a lot about the same issue lately. I don't won't to forbid DD from every having treats/junk/dessert but even though we don't keep it in the house there are am overwhelming number of opportunities for her to have the stuff. If I am eating something she wants some so this challenges me to have a better diet. Instead of giving DD her own dessert she shares with me so the quantity is even more limited and there are lots of times I just wait till after she goes to bed if I really don't won't her to have any. Its hard to find a balance between being the meany who never allows any dessert/junk and gaurding her diet so that desserts/junk are a rare treat and not a regular occurance.

Pam

 

[Jaydens_mom]

I am REALLY picky when it comes to junk food..
When my son see's me drinking soda he HAS to have some.. but most of the time i give him juice instead.
I don't eat much chocolate so when i do, of course i will let him have a little nibble at it but nothing that will make a difference..

The big worry for me are his teeth. My family has a history of HORRIBLE teeth and I am no exception... I brush 2-3 times a day, but still get cavities the size of a moon crator.

Soda for him is a once a month deal at the MOST... usually like i mentioned above I give him juice instead and he doesn't complain.

If he eats junk food (chocolate, chips, candy) his teeth get brushed RIGHT after...

luckily he LOVES his veggies and fruits so he usually takes the healthier choice.

 

[StephandOwen]

I think I got lucky, in this respect, because ds doesn't really care for junk food. I have a huge bowl sitting on my computer desk of Halloween candy. It's been there for 9 months and he's only asked for a piece of candy ONCE. It's in plain view, but he just doesn't care for candy. He doesn't like soda. He's not a huge fan of cake/pie. Occaisionally he'll decide a cookie looks good. He went through a phase maybe 4 months ago where he liked M&M's. I'd give him 3 or 4 a day and he'd be thrilled. That lasted less than a week when he decided he didn't want anymore- and hasn't had a single m&m since (even though there's a bunch of them sitting on my computer desk). He loves fries, however. He does get some fast food fries, but I also try and make him healthier fries at home (baked in the oven). He likes my fries too so I try to make those for him then I don't feel so bad about him eating so many! Oh, and he does like ice cream (only soft serve with nothing else in it). I don't keep ice cream in our place, but I do take him out for ice cream once every couple weeks (every once in a while- less than once a month- he also gets ice cream at his grandpa's house- I have to stir it to make it "soft serve" for him

: ). It works for us