In my nearly seven years of motherhood I have yet to pass out candy on holidays. Before you call me a “scrooge”, let me tell you why. During my Dietetic Internship I had the opportunity to work with The Heart Links Project (THLP). This program’s main goal was to get food out of the classroom. It opened my eyes to the amount of sugar our kids are exposed to not only on a daily basis - on Halloween, Christmas, Valentine’s Day, and Easter. Parents go crazy on holidays and it was THLP’s mission to stop it. This was in New York, they’re always ahead of the game and ruffling feathers at the same time.

The amount of sugar that our children are exposed to is ridiculous and scary. According to the American Heart Association, children should consume less than 12 grams of added sugar per day! Do you know how many grams of added sugar are in 1 serving (3/4 cup) of Honey Nut Cheerios? Nine. It’s only breakfast and just like that our children have almost reached their quota for the entire day.

During my time with THLP I was pregnant with my first child. I had HIGH expectations for myself. Fast forward to three kids later (i.e. survival mode) and my kids have days where I can’t even keep track of the amount of sugar they have consumed. Therefore, I do my best to cut back where I can. If my kid is the only kid who passes out sidewalk chalk in a basket full of Cadbury Eggs and Peeps, then that’s one less piece of sugar. Although, I’ve got to hand it to mom’s these days - you’re catching on. Less candy and more toys, note pads, and bubbles that honestly get the kids more excited than jelly beans.

Here is what the Easter Bunny will be bringing my (extremely high-energy) kids this year.

Six year old boy: obsessed with sports, specifically the University of Utah1. Rocket Launcher - Target | 2. Modern Art Kit - Target | 3. Wooba Ball | 4. Mason jar water bottle - Target

6. Utah Utes Athletic Shirt

(Almost) Four-year old daughter: obsessed with exercising with mom & Frozen1. Coloring book - Target | 2. Water bottle (like brothers) | 3. Head wrap | 4. Island Stretch Fruit Snacks | 5. The only Frozen item on the market - if you know her, she’s always in need of new panties | 6. Target running skirt and tank

One-year old girl: obsessed with eating, drinking, and putting on shoes1. Sippys - for almond milk & water | 2. Freeze dried apples | 3. Bubbles | 4. A little girl can never have too many bows

5. Bow Mary Janes | 6. Flip-flops - Old Navy

Hope you have the most energetic Easter of all! XOXO

Devrie