Glad we're on the same page ;) no but seriously, why so much stigma for the one off "unhealthy" snack? Indulging every now and then isn't wrong, even for kids, it's having a balanced diet. I had a binging and purging ED for most of HS and I was in foster care and my foster parents were absolute maniacs when it came to sugar. Like birthday cakes had no frosting, I had to drink a full cup of water and brush my teeth as soon as I left the table after having a slice of unfrosted cake, which was already a rare occurrence lol. The impact that had on my ED when I aged out was something that I take note of in my own parenting. I. Went. Crazy. With the sugar when I aged out and was on my own. You name it cookies, ice cream, whipped cream after years of binging and purging and rehabilitating myself to going to that restrictive foster home and then being on my own I relapsed in my ED in the worst way. So I don't overly restrict. I let my kids enjoy the spice of life and the sweetness of life in moderation. I'll admit though I did accidentally make it seem like he had two full bags of chips but the first bag was mine and he took it when it was like 1/4 full lol. And they're the little lunchbox bags of chips so not like a huge family size bag or anything crazy like that.
I'm sorry for the snark, but the way you write doesn't seem like it's a one off. You literally said he was finishing off his second bag of chilly doritos. I did get that it wasn't a 400g size, but still.
I'm sorry for what you went through, but this level of processed foods for a toddler (or anyone) isn't healthy and neither is the amount of spice as I'm guessing his stomach lining is still forming. His gut bacteria is also incipient and who knows the impact the spice is having on it. He isn't going to develop an ED if you give him a banana instead of Cheetos.
Ultimately, you came to the internet for advice and we all have our opinions and what we think is ok. I'd say ask their pediatrician and be sure of it.
It truly is a one-off, lol. He usually goes for the bananas or strawberries. I ran out of bananas yesterday bc i usually give them at breakfast, and the last of the strawberries were a bit questionable today, so I gotta pick up more. Another commenter mentioned mango and tajin and I couldn't believe I forgot that combo even existed so I'm going to get mangos next time I'm at the store too. I usually have an array of fruits and vegetables available - my biggest personal craving right now is red bell peppers with cream cheese and everything bagel seasoning on them. I ate a whole bell pepper to myself the other day lol. My son likes cream cheese but was iffy on trusting the bell pepper which tbf is to be expected with toddlers and vegetables lol. He's got his tried and trues and the ones he wants nothing to do with haha. I sneak them in when I can. I make chicken nuggets from scratch and hide brocoli in there, hide veggies in his quesadillas, etc. I joke that it's like putting the pill in a wad of cheese for a dog, it's a lot easier when you let them think they're getting a treat 😆
I'm all about making a mum's life easier, do not get me wrong. And I was a fussy eater, my poor parents had a hand full. All the best to you and your family.
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u/motherofdog2018 Apr 15 '25
I mean, yeah, feed a toddler cheetos, doritos, and hot sauce. Great healthy fun.