These Unhealthy Kids' Snacks May Shock You
By Sara Butler
Snack time is always an exciting time in a household. Kids really do live for snacks! Kids are often very active and require more calories to sustain their energy levels than adults, so providing them with appropriate snacks is a must. But with childhood obesity on the rise, you have to be careful about the type of snacks you’re offering your children. You have to provide them with the right type of calories from protein and healthy fats without a bunch of added sugar. Here are some common kids’ snacks that actually aren’t healthy at all and should be avoided!
Applesauce
This is a childhood classic that also happens to be one of the unhealthiest things you can feed your child. One serving of applesauce is about 100 calories and 88 of those calories are from sugar. The process to create applesauce from apples also strips it of the naturally occurring fiber of the apples. If your child is resistant to giving up the sauce, then make sure to buy brands with no preservatives or added sugar – and give it out sparingly.
Yogurt
Yogurt is like a Trojan horse of sugar. It seems like a good idea with its protein and probiotics but many brands usually pack as much sugar as ice cream! This is especially true of flavored yogurt with candy toppings.
Instead, offer your little one plain Greek yogurt with some fruit or honey. That’s a truly healthy snack.
Energy Bars
Energy bars are easy and convenient but they’re full of sugar and empty calories – even with protein and whole grains. Make sure you choose healthy energy bars. Read the labels to see what’s in it and avoid bars with a lot of sugar or sugar alcohols. You can always make your own bars at home, too!
Fruit Snacks
Even with the word “fruit” in the title, this is not a healthy snack. Each tiny packet has nearly 100 calories in it – and it’s easy to eat several packets in one sitting without feeling full. They have no fiber or protein either. They’re simply not a great choice. Go with real fruit instead!
Keeping your little ones healthy and instilling good eating habits can be tough but you can make it happen! All you have to do is know what to look for in a good snack and what to stay away from -- even if it seems healthy!
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Shreveport, La.