I consider myself a health conscious newbie. I’m a student, and am constantly learning new ways to incorporate healthy living into my family’s day to day life. With that said, I also completely believe in a balanced lifestyle. The 80/20 rule, if you will. 80% of the time, I do my best to make sure my kids eat well-rounded meals with plenty of nutrients. But there are also days when I feed them macaroni and cheese and reward them with candy.
What I’m learning though, is that I can give my kids treats, but be smarter about it than I used to be. For example, a couple years ago I switched from regular macaroni and cheese to macaroni and cheese that is free of artificial flavors and colors. I also switched from the cheapest hot dogs to ones that are 100% beef with lower calories, fat, and sodium. The kids don’t taste the difference between these things, but I feel a little better knowing that they aren’t getting “as much” crap.
When it comes to candy, ideally I’m looking for something that doesn’t have high fructose corn syrup, and contain no artificial flavors or colors. Why is artificial flavors and colors such a big deal to me? Because they have been linked with hyperactivity, allergic reactions, and tumor growth. In Europe, food with artificial colors are now required to include “may have an adverse effect on activity and attention in children!” As a mom to four little kids, the last thing I want to do is welcome in MORE hyperactivity than normal! 🙂
With that said, I know sugar is still sugar. But hey, kids gotta be kids, right? What’s life without a little candy to celebrate the everyday successes?
I was recently told about a brand new organic candy line that’s now available at Target. My ears perked up because I love when I can find things like this without having to go to a specialty grocery store!
The brand is called SurfSweets, and we received some to sample the other day. My kids were OVER the moon excited when candy showed up on our doorstep, and I was even more excited because I knew it was free of corn syrup and artificial colors and flavors.
This candy was seriously AMAZING and addicting and it will definitely be our go-to when we’re choosing our treats from now on.
I’m really excited to help get the name of this brand out there. I’ve become very selective with the brands I partner with because they need to align with my family’s beliefs and goals, and it’s been fun to find a perfect partnership.
SurfSweets is giving away a prize pack full of treats to one lucky Mommy’s Me Time reader! You will also be entered to win a $50 Amazon gift card! Simply enter using Rafflecopter below! You must be 18 years old to enter. The giveaway will be open through May 23rd. U.S. mailing addresses only!
Additionally, here’s a link to a $1.00 off coupon to bring with you next time you go to Target!
xo,
Amber
This post is sponsored by SurfSweets through the Amplify Influencer Network. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
P.S. For more reflections on parenthood and life, follow us on Facebook (Hun Let’s Run) and on Instagram: @ambermariekuiper and @jakekuiper! We’d also love for you to subscribe to our Hun, Let’s Run Podcast! For more info about joining our fitness community as a customer or coach, please email us at amber@mommysmetime.com!
4 Comments
These look awesome- great find!
This candy is also free of many top allergens (nuts, dairy, soy, gluten), which is very exciting for me and my nut allergic daughter!!
Sounds amazing! Pity SurfSweets aren’t available in South Africa.
Keep blogging, I love your page.
Tanya
My son is allergic to food dye. All artificial dyes. We have seen a huge increase in the number of dye free food offerings for kids. I used to only be able to go to whole foods (and I still do but just for cakes). Now I am able to find dye free options everywhere including Walmart. People ask me if they think my son will grow out of his allergy but I think that food companies will stop using artificial dyes before that happens….pressure from society is changing the way food companies think. Aldi has gone completely dye free.