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Healthy Snacking for Kids
Most
of us know we should eat healthy foods and want to
teach our children healthy eating habits. However,
with our busy schedules, we often reach for snack
foods which are full of preservatives and sugar
because they’re easy. I asked Certified Nutritional
Consultant, Anne Arsenault, Author of “Real
Solutions to Children’s Health” how to make
healthier choices?
Anne says, “You start by educating yourself. Live
what you learn, and be a healthy example. Read food
labels and be aware of what is in your food. The
items listed first on the ingredients are the most
predominant with percentages diminishing as you go
along. Fructose and Sucrolose are another form of
sugar, so avoid items with them, especially if
they’re listed first. Also avoid artificial colours
and flavours, Aspartame, MSG, hydrolyzed vegetable
protein, propylene glycol, hydrogenated fats, trans
fats and any food that has a lot of words you don’t
recognize. Learn to eat more fresh food and less
packaged food.”
She
also told me it’s important to watch what we drink.
We all know that adults need a lot of water to be
healthy, but did you know that children have a
higher percentage of water in their bodies than
adults? So give your children water instead of
juice and pop. If you do give them juice, make sure
it is 100% real juice, with no added sugars, colours
or flavours. It was a big eye-opener to me when a
friend said not to let my child have juice all day
long. A steady stream of juice doesn’t just affect
their blood sugar which can lead to diabetes, but
the health of their teeth too. Water is not just a
healthier choice; it’s free and clear from our
taps. However, if you buy bottled water, be sure
not to re-use the bottles or leave them in the sun
or car as the chemicals in the plastic leach out and
get stored in the body which can lead to cancer.
So
what are some healthier snacks for children? Fruits
and vegetables are good to keep around at all
times. For older kids, provide raw nuts, seeds and
dried fruit. All children can enjoy sprouted grain
bread, with natural peanut butter and fruit spread
(spreads have less or no sugar). Instead of
pudding, give them natural yogurt with a spoonful of
flax meal and chopped fruit. Peanut butter on apple
slices is good, just make sure the peanut butter
does not contain sugar and hydrogenated fats.
Snacks like Mott’s unsweetened apple sauce, most
fruit leathers and “Squiggles”, by Sun-Rype, are
good natural options. It’s OK to have the
occasional sugary treat, just don’t eat them
everyday.
Eating habits your children form now will likely
determine their health for the rest of their lives.
Be aware of what you and your family are consuming
and decide today to make healthier choices.
You can learn more from Anne
Arsenault at:
www.healthbrights.com.
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