It's not a new topic these days, kids are becoming more and more unhealthy and suffer from obesity. These are my thoughts on just two contributing factors of this epidemic, kids menu's and snacks. I will start with "kids menus" this one makes me crazy! Why did someone start the "kids menu?" Does it make any sense at all that we give kids a menu with choices like mac & cheese, chicken nuggets, hot dogs, french fries, pizza etc. Your probably saying to yourself, "well that's what they eat, they wont eat the things off of the "adult menu" They don't like salads, grilled chicken, fruits, wraps etc...(noting that most restaurants have pretty unhealthy choices for us adults as well) Did anyone ever stop to think that maybe our kids will only eat these things because that is what we have taught them to like? Could it be our lack in developing their palates at an early age? Heaven for bid if we gave them healthy choices from the get go. They might even come to realize that a lot of those choice's on the menu & in there snacks taste like crap. All of there pre made snacks from the grocery store usually contain so much sugar that anything else to them is just not sweet enough.
I am not a perfect parent both of my children have enjoyed things off of the "kids menu" and have indulged in a store bought granola bar or two. We are always striving to make better choices. I know that this can be hard with stubborn kids or when your kids see other kids eating those beloved "fruit" snacks. Here are a few ideas that might help for them to one day choose better for themselves and be a good example to there friends...How about introducing new fruits and vegetables to your kids, make it a game out of trying to find different things in the store and different ways of eating them. Have your kids try them more than once, it can take up to fifteen times for them to develop a taste for things. Make lists on the fridge of foods that are healthy that you know they like and ones that they want to try (remember more than once)maybe one's that they have tried in the past and reintroduced to them. You will find yourself with at least 100 foods to choose from. And lastly shop the perimeter's of the grocery store as much as possible, try to avoid the processed junk in the middle.
This was an article I recieved from food network that will give you some idea of what those snacks are made of and some better choices...
6 “Healthy” Kids Snacks That Aren’t
by Toby Amidor in Back to School, Healthy Tips Comments (38)
Find out which snacks to skip.
Feeding your kids can get confusing. Between pushy food marketing and bewildering labels, it’s no wonder that most folks are misled as to which kids snacks are really healthy. Here’s the real deal on what you’ve been buying.
#1: Yogurt
Cows don’t make purple, hot pink or even blue-colored yogurt — that’s what I tell my kids every time we hit the dairy aisle. Those neon yogurts are loaded with sugar (including the infamous high fructose corn syrup) and lots of additives and preservatives that don’t do any favors to little bodies. Give kids a punch of calcium and protein from healthier dairy products. If your kids are pining for yogurt, here are some healthier options:
Stonyfield Yo Baby, Yo Kids and Fat-Free Organic (the French Vanilla is my 5-year-old’s fave)
Low-Fat Brown Cow Yogurt
Chobani Champions Greek Yogurt
#2: Granola Bars
Although a basic granola bar includes a combo of nuts, oats, seeds and sometimes dried fruit (all healthy stuff), many packaged varieties add in pieces of chocolate or candy or loads of sugar and fat. Check out our favorite snack bar brands or make your own granola mix.
#3: Meat & Cracker Combos
While they’re convenient kid-favorites, most packaged lunch combos come with a side dish of excess salt and fat. With a laundry list of ingredients and preservatives, you’re better off packing your own. On your next trip to the market, pick up a package of whole-wheat or rye crackers, Swiss or cheddar cheese and low-sodium turkey or ham (or leftover turkey or chicken) and pack in compartment-type Tupperware. You’ll save money and control the ingredients.
#4: Veggie Chips
Once fried and processed, even veggies aren’t that healthy. Heat and various processing techniques destroy many of the vitamins, which are not typically replaced once they’re made into chips. Pack a serving (about 15 chips) for a once-in-a-while snack, but don’t substitute them for actual vegetables.
#5: Fruit Snacks
Fruit snacks might have the word “fruit” in the title, but don’t be fooled. Most of these chewy snacks contain corn syrup and “natural” and artificial flavors. If you carefully examine the list of ingredients, you’ll also find vitamin C added back as it’s destroyed during the processing of the snack. Nothing can replace a juicy, fresh fruit, but if you want to serve it up as an occasional treat make sure to brush those little teeth right away.
#6: Juice Drinks
Lemonade, iced tea and other such juice drinks are loaded with calories, sugar and not much else. Look for 100 percent fruit juice and limit kids to a maximum of 4 fluid ounces per day. Don’t be fooled with the claim that it’s excellent source of vitamin C — you can get just as much (if not more) from good old fresh fruits like kiwi, citrus fruit and strawberries and even a few veggies like bell peppers, tomatoes and potatoes.
Toby Amidor, MS, RD, CDN, is a registered dietitian and consultant who specializes in food safety and culinary nutrition.
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