I have always had a pretty relaxed philosophy when it comes to what my MTHFR Kids eat when they are away from me. I have been lucky because we don’t have too many restrictions, allergies or extreme symptoms from food. As long as it’s vegetarian, we’re good to go. And while I know they may not always get the best MTHFR Kids school snacks, and taboo ingredients like folic acid may be included, I’ve been okay with it for a few reasons:
First, we eat so cleanly at home and they really eat a lot of fresh fruits and veggies very well. I mean, they have literally argued over who’s getting more raw broccoli, and my daughter has jumped up and down with glee shouting “Kale! Kale!” while I’m adding it to a smoothie. Good eating habits established? Check.
Second, as someone who has, and continues, to struggle with weight issues all her life, I want my kids to have a healthy relationship with food and practice moderation. I also want them to feel as included as they can if the class is having a shared snack or meal.
Third, we are fortunate to live in a more food and eco-conscious city and the schools reflect that. Our preschool has organic fruits and veggies delivered via CSA for the kids. They’re also very aware and supportive of food allergies and it’s not unusual for them to serve gluten free snacks like Mary’s Gone Crackers and other whole food based snacks. For the most part, I have felt very comfortable with the snacks served there.
But recently, on class field trip day, something inside of me snapped.
I attended my daughter’s field trip to a local aquarium. (Or “karium” as she likes to call it.) Before we left, the kids were given a snack while the preschool director gave them a download on safety procedures. This morning’s snack was apple chips and…
Cheerios.
Suddenly, time began to move in slow motion as I watched those evil little folic acid saturated Os flow forth from their yellow box into my daughter’s outstretched cup. Nooooooooo! I screamed inside my head as she reached into the cup for an O and brought it to her mouth. I had to stop myself from jumping up and knocking the cup out of her hand. It’ll be okay, I told myself. You’ve always said the kids eat so well at home it doesn’t matter what they’re getting at school.
In that moment, I realized I had reached next level status in our family’s MTHFR journey and it was time to step up my game.
For years since my son started at that same preschool, I had been sending vegetarian substitutes for special occasion treats like gummy worms for “mud pie day,” and gummy bunnies for special treats/rewards. I know the school will be supportive as they have always been.
MTHFR Kids and School Snacks
School’s back in session tomorrow, so here’s what I’m going to send with her for them to keep on hand:
- Cascadian Farms Purely O’s to swap for (the aforementioned evil) Cheerios
- Annie’s Cheddar Bunnies to swap for Goldfish
- Glutino Gluten Free pretzels to sub for regular pretzels
- Barbara’s Snackimals animal crackers to sub for regular animal crackers
These are just some really simple changes that will go a long way to giving me a lot more peace of mind. As the school year continues, I’ll keep looking for more of these easy ‘swappertunities’.
