Read labels

You know that greasy hamburgers, fries, doughnuts, cones, cookies, and fast food in general do not make up a healthy diet for your kids.  So if you have been substituting what you think are “healthy” snacks for them, you may be surprised.

If you have been substituting granola bars, “health” drinks, and other presumably nutritious choices, you’ll be surprised at what recent research has found.

U of Calgary researchers found that, of more than 350 food products marketed to kids, 60% made health claims (think “contains essential nutrients” or a “good source of calcium”) but almost 90% were of poor nutritional quality.

Your best bet when buying packaged snacks is to read the nutritional information on the back of the package, not the claims on the front.  And, if you don’t understand what a nutrient word means, it’s probably not healthy for your child.

Better yet

Feed your kids snack foods the way Mother Nature made them.  How about sliced carrots and celery pieces with a bean dip.  Or give them fresh or frozen fruit.  There is always dried fruit such as raisins (dried grapes), figs, prunes, blueberries, cranberries, etc.

How about whole grain sandwiches with natural peanut butter.  Or, whole grain crackers.  We’re sure you can add to these ideas as healthy snacks for your youngsters.

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