Don’t want to be an “almond parent”? Here’s what to do.

Nothing wrong with eating almonds, but so-called ‘almond’ parents are likely encouraging orthorexic eating (an obsession with proper, healthful eating) or anorexic behaviors (restrictive eating). Here’s how to tell if you’re an “Almond” parent and how to mindfully parent in a less toxic way.

Recognition:

• You only shop the organic aisle.
• Regardless of their age, you think your children should eat as little as you do.
• Unlike the notorious Jimmy Kimmel segment “Tell Your Kids You Ate All Their Halloween Candy,” you’re the parent that actually throws all their candy away after they go to bed.
• You equate your child’s worth with their body size.
• You equate your worth with your children’s body size.
• You share your restrictive eating habits with your children.

How to Not Be An Almond Parent

Don’t:

• Don’t brand snacks as “treats”; identify the foods as sweet or savory snacks and offer them as a side with lunch or even after school.
• Don’t label snacks as healthy or unhealthy; instead, act like a teacher or scientist and identify the sweet snack and or savory snack for what it actually provides. This means carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals, or perhaps just calories in the form of sugar.
• Don’t label fat as a bad word—it’s actually a critical component of a balanced diet.
• Don’t focus on the loss or gain of weight; instead, focus on your child’s mood or behavior

Do:

• Keep your eating habits and your body concerns muted.
• Role model eating all foods in moderation.
• Teach your children how to eat kale AND cupcakes or get help with this.
• Provide a balanced meal that consists of carbs, protein, and fat so your children are satiated physically and satisfied psychologically.

Five Lunches to Put into Practice:

Provide your child with lunches that teach moderation and allow for a discussion on how the foods provide nutrition. Consider these five options.

Veggies with hummus and Doritos to Accompany a Turkey Sandwich

• Veggies provide fiber and antioxidants.
• Hummus provides monounsaturated fats.
• Doritos add texture and energy. They’re not organic yet you should identify them as chips, not junk.
• A turkey sandwich provides protein and carbs.

Apple and Cheese Sticks to Accompany a Bagel with Cream Cheese

• Apples provide vitamin C and fiber.
• Cheese serves as the protein and provides calcium and vitamin D.
• Bagels are a great energy source of carbohydrates especially needed for growing kids.
• Cream cheese serves as a fat to help fill you up.

Cookies & Milk to Accompany a Chicken Bean Quesadilla

• Cookies provide carbs and fats (not an unhealthy treat).
• Milk provides calcium, vitamin D, and protein.
• A chicken bean quesadilla equates to protein, fiber, and even more calcium.
• Note: it is helpful for kids to learn to eat lower fiber and less filling sides/snacks with a more satiating main.

Cheese and Dried Fruit to Accompany a Thermos Filled with Whole Wheat Pesto Pasta with Chicken

• Cheese provides calcium and Vit D, protein, and even fat
• Dried fruit is sweet and provides fiber and plant compounds to fight the flu.
• Whole wheat pasta provides carbohydrates and a serving of protein.
• Pesto provides monounsaturated fats that help to increase HDL cholesterol.
• Chicken provides more protein to aid in muscle repair and growth.

Olives, Applesauce, and Crackers to Accompany Chicken Fingers

• Olives are a finger food providing MUFA’s.
• Applesauce can be used for dipping, is easy to digest, and provides vitamin C.
• Baked chicken fingers provide about 28 grams of protein to help fill you up and learn to eat all foods.

Teach your kids how to eat all foods in moderation, without judgmental values. Serve meals and snacks that satisfy and satiate while providing balanced nutrition. In conclusion, Eat Kale and Cupcakes! Spread the message.