On occasion I find myself at a Dunkin Doughnuts drive-thru for coffee. I’m somewhat embarrassed to admit that my kids recognize the sign and associate it with “treats” (aka munchkins.) About half of the time, I give in to the pleading. I buy five munchkins, give them two each, and save one for myself.
It is so easy and so tempting to pop that sucker right in, chew, swallow, and within seconds, it’s as if that munchkin never existed. I immediately start wishing I had three more because that first one didn’t mean much. And when I look in the rearview mirror, I realize my kids aren’t far behind. They are strapped in their carseats, munchkin-less, faces adorned with sugary glaze; and they’re asking for more.
One day I chose to nibble that little doughnut hole. It lasted for about 8 bites. It felt much more like a treat and I realized this was possibly the most basic yet important healthy eating concept yet.
Encourage your kids to eat slowly; there’s a very compelling reason that children are willing to buy in: It last longer that way. And it suddenly becomes that much more important.
Challenge yourself to make it last. To let the chocolate melt, to see how small you can make each forkful.
The real pleasure in food is found in the tasting.
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I have a tendency of treating my son once a week to an ice cream as he seems to be having cold and cough all year round. He has turned 5 now and I am really feel happy that he has his lunch all by himself at his own pace.
Nice article