t’s 10am and someone at school is celebrating a birthday. Most likely the kids are being served cupcakes or sweet snacks. They get all sugared up and then crash. And that crash can be really bad. Well, I’m “that” mom that doesn’t like this well honored practice. If there is a function at school, I will bring more healthy alternatives. Most of the time what I bring is a big hit and, rarely, it’s a big flop. More than once my son has been known to say, “Mom, can’t you just cook normal?” In reality, give kids healthy options and they will joyfully gobble them up.

As I kid, I did cook normally, using lots of sugar and refined flours. Looking back, this was my way of keeping a steady stream of carbs and sugar in my life. I was, and am, a sugar sensitive person. That means I can’t eat just one cookie, my brain goes a little wacky and insists that I eat 8 more to satisfy my craving. Believe it or not, this is a very common issue. If you can’t eat just 1 sugary or carb filled snack without craving more, then you may be sugar sensitive as well. My favorite book on this topic is “Potatoes not Prozac” by Dr. Kathleen DesMaisons. I highly recommend it for some great tips on how to stop the sugar craving cycle.

My basic advice to all my patients is to eat whole foods, drink lots of clean water, and eat little to no grains. Not only will this give you lots of great energy, it will also help you maintain a healthy weight. Your plate should be mostly seasonal veggies, and a small portion of clean protein. Your brain and body need healthy fat so don’t buy low-fat processed foods such as skim milk or low-fat cheese. Go for the whole fat, organic, raw if possible, dairy. Eggs are a great source of protein, so enjoy them often. Fruits are fine in moderation as they are high in fructose, which is really just sugar as far as your body is concerned. Remember to eat fruits and veggies that are in season. You don’t want to be eating strawberries in December and acorn squash in June. For one thing, they won’t be very tasty.

The simple and easy way to start is by making a plan. Take time each week to plan out from 1 to all your meals and shop for those meals. When you arrive home tired and famished, you’ll be happy that you have a plan and a stocked fridge. I suggest planning simple meals that take less than 30 minutes to cook. For example, baked chicken breast served with roasted cauliflower and green beans can be done in the oven altogether. Try some whole fat organic yogurt with nuts and fresh fruit for dessert. Now that’s a meal even a kid would love. Start simple and make it easy for yourself. Before you know it you’ll be eating healthy and feeling great.

Donna Parker LAc. joins Mark Alyn on Late Night Health. She is the author of “A Clear Path to a Vibrant Life” is a Classical Five Element acupuncturist, Certified in Integrative Nutrition, and a certified Health Coach. She supports patients in making healthy lifestyle changes using simple techniques that result in increased vitality and health.

air date: 11/25/16