Unhealthy Food For Kids

We have all heard that popcorn, greasy snack foods and ice cream are unhealthy for our children. But do these things really make them sick? Read on to find out. We’ll also touch on the infamous “sugar bomb” and “fatty snack foods” which have become so common that the World Health Organization has banned them. And what about the advertisements for these foods?

What are the benefits and risks for our children?

Popcorn

You may have heard that popcorn is a bad food for kids, but this isn’t necessarily the case. This snack is filled with plenty of dietary fiber and a relatively low calorie content. That’s why it’s often regarded as a healthy food for kids at the movie theater. However, not all popcorn is created equal. The unhealthy fats found in commercial popcorn are especially bad for the brain.

Processed meats

There is no doubt that processed meats and other foods are unhealthy for kids. These foods contain artificial colors, carcinogens, and a long list of other ingredients. While the FDA has endorsed low levels of BPA as safe, they are known to contribute to obesity and diabetes. This is especially true in children, who tend to consume more of these foods. The following are some reasons why you should limit your child’s exposure to these foods.

Packaged juices

Despite the marketing of packaged juices as a health food, the fact is that the sugar and processed ingredients in these beverages are not good for children’s health. One recent study found elevated levels of lead in some juices, which may cause neurodevelopmental problems in kids. Sugars in juices are also a concentrated source of calories, and babies with growing tummies may experience diarrhea. Juices are also a waste of calories and do not contain the fiber found in … Read more

The Importance of Healthy Food For Kids

Almost all fruit and vegetables are great for adding nutrients to your child’s diet. When buying fruit and vegetables, focus on those without added sugars. Fruit juices and canned versions often contain added sugar. Always read nutrition labels when you go grocery shopping.

Vegetables are harder to get your child to eat, and many canned and frozen varieties have high sodium levels. Try to choose different colors of vegetables to represent different nutrients.

Avoiding trans and saturated fats

Aim to limit your child’s total intake of fats and oils. This includes mayonnaise, salad dressings, sauces, and homemade low-fat products. Choose products that are low in sodium, such as nonhydrogenated peanut butter. When choosing breads, pastas, and other grains, choose whole grains, as they tend to have less sodium. Also, limit your child’s intake of high-fat dairy products, which may include nitrates.

Plant oils are another source of fat in a child’s diet, but these fats should be kept to a minimum. Choose high-quality oils for baking or stir-frying, such as extra virgin olive oil. For dipping bread or using as a finishing oil, extra virgin olive oil is ideal. Avoid hydrogenated fats, such as palm oil, as they can harm your child’s health.

Limiting sugary drinks

In Maryland, the legislature passed a bill limiting sugary drinks served with kid’s meals. The bill passed the Senate with bipartisan support and is now moving to the Assembly. But how can we get more Californians to limit sugary drinks in their kids’ diets? The state’s media studies group put together a brief, and AAP and AHA endorsed the bill. But why is this legislation necessary?

Adding a tax to sugary beverages is an effective way to curb the amount of sodas and other beverages consumed by children and teenagers. It has been shown … Read more