My kindergartener keeps just eating his fruit and juice for lunch. Then he eats the sandwich later. The problem is he goes hyper and does terrible in school. I am trying to explain why it is important to eat a balanced meal. He doesn't understand about bloodsugar issues. I don't know how to explain it. Any Ideas?
thanks,

Michelle

I will try these. Thank you!

Michelle

I have to keep a clean pantry in order to stay clean with my eating. Maybe your son needs a "clean lunchbox" so that he stays clean and clear about his eating. I agree that just eliminating the juice with as little attention to it as possible would be a good option to try.

I don't think that explaining stuff like blood sugar and balanced menus to a 5YO works too well. Just balance the meals and he'll feel better. Maybe after he's feeling better with more healhtful meals, you could exlpain what you did in a casual way. I tend to not make a big deal around food- just provide good options that make my daughter balanced and healthy. She gets the importance of good food balance by example, not by talking.

That was kind of going to be my suggestion too, don't pack any fruit. Pack celerly and carrot sticks, and/or grape tomotoes or whatever kind of veggies he likes and the sandwich. If he only eats the veggies and not the sandwich, then just start packing the sandwich.

He can have the fruit and/or veggies when he gets home for a snack, that way he's still eating them.

Dawn

i don't know...hmmm. well, my child is going to be 16 in 2 months so take this with a grain of salt.

perhaps try, for one week, not packing anything with sugar. no fruit. no juice. switch to those cute little bottle waters. small bag of cheese crackers. then the sandwich.

you can do PB and J sandwiches on whole wheat. that way, he gets his craving for sugar fixed by the jelly. but along the way, he has a good combo of whole grains and protein.