Life is hectic, so it’s all too easy to feed our children fast food that is far from healthy. Yet it’s important to establish healthy eating habits with them from the start, so they don’t face health or weight issues later on. According to The Science of Eating, here are the worst foods for kids and how to replace them with healthier options.
Chicken Nuggets
Processed chicken nuggets (from fast food and the frozen variety) are full of preservatives, sugar and other unhealthy fillers. They are also full of sodium, bad fats and calories. Try giving kids homemade nuggets or grilled chicken breast with marinara sauce instead of ketchup.
Soda
You don’t need me to tell you how bad soda is for our bodies. It’s loaded with caffeine and sugar, which can lead to behavioral problems, cavities and weight gain in children. Water, milk and freshly squeezed homemade fruit juices are much better options.
Hot dogs and processed meats for lunch
Hot dogs and processed lunch meats contain surprising levels of sodium, saturated fat and calories. Over time, these elements can lead to high cholesterol and blood pressure. Replace these foods with organic chicken and turkey hot dogs (check labels carefully) and fresh-cut meats.
Boxed Mac N’ Cheese
Kraft Dinner is one of the fastest and easiest things to feed a hungry child. However, boxed mac n’ cheese is full of GMOs, sodium, empty carbs and artificial colors. Homemade macaroni and cheese is a much healthier option, especially if you add vegetables.
Sweetened cereals
Almost all cereals, especially those meant for children, are just sugar and empty calories. Whole grain cereal or old-fashioned oatmeal topped with Greek yogurt and fruit is a much better substitute.
Gummy bears and fruit snacks
Fruit snacks and other gummy snacks contain essentially no fruit and lots of sugar. Skip these snacks and opt for real fresh fruit instead.
French fries
French fries are delicious, but they are full of sodium and trans fats that can lead to diabetes and heart problems when eaten regularly. Make baked fries or potato wedges for a healthier option.
Pop Tarts and Toaster Pastries
These popular snacks are loaded with tons of sugar, artificial colors and flavors, and preservatives. They have absolutely no nutritional value and do not satisfy a child’s hunger. Instead, give them rice cakes or whole grain toast with natural peanut or almond butter.
Crackers
Crackers (like all the foods on this list) can be given to your child from time to time, but they are full of empty calories and sodium. Whole grain, low sodium crackers are a much healthier alternative.
