Phil's Journal: A Bunch of Fluff

It is literally "over the river and through the woods to grandmother's house we go" when heading from northern VT to my parents' house in central MA. During the the 3-plus hour journey we pass by lots and lots of trees, mountains and rolling green hills. Yet even in this beautiful territory, a Golden Arches or hybrid gas station/fast food mart are lurking at every exit. I am proud to say that for the hundreds of times making this trip, we've never stopped at one. The secret is preparation. Before each trip, I take 10 minutes or so to make us each a snack pack to cover us for the few hours of travel plus some extra for unscheduled stops or longer rides due to uncooperative weather. Extra snacks are also good for the kids because it provides them with a variety to choose from. The kids' pack contains car-friendly snacks including a cheese stick, dried fruit leather, crackers, kid-sized nutrition bar (uncoated in warm months!), raisins, juice box and water bottle. Sometimes I throw together a makeshift trail mix with dry cereal, raisins and dry roasted, unsalted nuts. Since I am driving, I like to keep things simple and usually take a protein shake, a couple of nutrition bars, water and a small bag of cashews or other nuts to munch on. Another key thing is to eat a solid meal before departing. Doing so gets you at least a couple of hours deep into the ride before the hunger pangs start. Check out more of my eating strategies during business and family travel in my daily meal scenario greatest hits post!

...which bring me to Fluff!

So after all my efforts to ensure my kids are eating healthy, we arrive at my parents' house. The first thing their grandmother does is say she has a surprise for them. Lo and behold it is a jar of Fluff; whipped marshmallow in all of its creamy grandeur! Made primarily of corn syrup and liquid sugar, it is definitely a junk food all-star.

So do I dig it the next day when my kids are munching on Fluffernutters for lunch? Not at all. But instead of playing the role of party pooper, I let them indulge. 1. I don't mess with a grandparent's right to spoil their grandchildren with a sugary treat or two (notably the traditional ones like Fluff. While sugar-laden, they do not contain a laundry list of nasty ingredients). 2. For 6 and 7 years old, my kids eat exceptionally well. They enjoy healthy foods and get treats just as the word "treat" is defined: On occasion. Not a regular occurrence.