How To Clean Up Your Kids Diet

After our post last week on how changing Aubrey's diet has affected more than just helping his stomach issues, we had so many of you fellow parents wanting to make such big changes in your own kids' diets. The truth is anyone can do it.When it came to switching and cutting out food for Aubrey, we kept pushing it off for almost a year because we couldn't think about starving our child. We were worried about the meltdowns, the resistance and every other bad moment that happens when you tell your kids to do something that they don't want to do or understand. But the truth is, they are so resilient and to be honest, their minds are still in the survival mode.  That makes the transition so much easier for both parents and kids.In saying that, there are a few tips that helped us a lot with the transitions so I summarized them for you.

How To Clean Up Your Kids Diets

Talk To Them About It First

When It came to Aubrey, his diet changes were due to allergies. At 4, he had a really good grasp on what allergies were (due to all of mine) and what they may cause. We sat him down and had a straightforward conversation with him about how the tummy pains that he always feels are because of what foods he was eating and by taking those out he won't have any more tummy pains. That made it simple for him as he hated his tummy pains. Letting them know why you are doing something also helps when they are out without you. He is very aware of what has dairy in it and turns down any offers. Trust that your kids are smarter than you think.

Do It Cold Turkey

The great thing about kids is that they don't need to be eased into things. If you as a parent are ready to make the change, just do it and your kids will follow. There may be a day or two where they protest and don't eat a thing, but in the end, hunger will always overrule.

Find Healthy Alternatives To Things They Already Love

When it came to Aubrey, he loves both his pasta and his cookies and treats. We knew cutting those out fully would be hard on him. But with a gluten allergy, there are so many great options out there to take its place. We now buy pasta made of Quinoa and he doesn't even know the difference. When it comes to cookies, I like to follow the paleo versions of some of his favorites. That way he still is able to feel spoiled with a cookie here and there.

If All Else Fails.....Go Paleo

As long as your child doesn't suffer from a nut allergy, people have been out there working away on creating Paleo versions of foods that we already love. Google and Pinterest are amazing for these as all you have to do is put paleo in front of the recipe you are wanting to create. If you don't know what paleo is, it is foods that are Gluten-free, Grain-Free, Dairy-Free, and Sugar-free, in other words, pretty much nothing processed. I also have many blogs up about our paleo lifestyle so just search Paleo in the column to your right and you can find them there.

Basics For The Win

When it comes to food, we hate over complicating it. The best thing that works for Aubrey, as well as us, are your basic foods. School Lunches consist of Chicken we have cooked, fresh, raw vegetables, and fruit. Suppers are very similar. This way it's quick, easy and you know your kids have a balanced diet. This also makes it easier for you as a busy parent because you don't have to put much thought into it after a busy day at work.The only struggle that we still have it when we are out. With Gluten allergies on the rise, we are always shocked at the lack of kid firendly options out there at restaurants, Cafes etc. Our biggest help to get through is to always pack fruits, veggies, and gluten free crackers in my bag wherever we go. It not only saves Aubrey's tummy when he gets hungry, but also is easier on our wallet.To those of you who are ready and about to jump on this, we salut you. We will continue to update you on our path, as always, will have yummy recipes for you to try out fitting in Aubrey's dietary restrictions.