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Making Healthy Choices for Your Kids

February 16, 2012 by Musclemommy Leave a Comment

With so many food labels and so little time to really figure out the healthiest options, how can parents make the best choices for their kids?

Food labeling and marketing can be big business, especially when aimed at kids, but it can lead to a lot of confusion for parents as well as choices that may sound healthy, but really aren’t.

“… Pants On Fire”

It seems like many packaged foods have at least one healthy claim these days – high fiber, fortified with vitamins, good source of calcium, etc.  And often times grocery shopping is done on autopilot, so grabbing the package with the healthy claims may seem like the easy, obvious choice. But buyer beware, making a food product like a kid’s cereal for example, with whole grains and fortifying it with vitamins and minerals, does not mean it’s healthy if it’s still 40% sugar by weight. Even a cute little leprechaun can’t make that kind of magic.

When nutrients are added to foods to make them healthier, it can be a double edged sword. Most people get a portion of their daily nutrients from fortified foods, but it can also lead to eating less whole foods which are generally a healthier choice. Eating an apple snack bar fortified with vitamins is not going to be as healthy as eating the apple. And because of advertising, many children will want the apple bar, not the apple.

Red Light, Green Light

With the average child exposed to over 600 food ads per year, many with the worst nutritional ratings, how can parents make better choices While foods with healthy claims may offer a better alternative than their counterparts, it might be time to view foods geared toward kids as a red flag instead. When picking up that package with a healthy claim, consider if there is an alternative with only one ingredient.

And remember, kids can’t eat what’s not in the pantry or refrigerator!

 

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About Musclemommy

I am a 45 year old stay at home mom. My husband and I have been together since college and we have two kids; 8 and almost 6.

I have been a gym rat since my dad got us a family membership at a Nautilus gym when I was in high school. I am a health and fitness fanatic, and I have been committed to a healthy way of life for 20 years.

My two passions are being a mom and fitness. As a mom, I always appreciate a great shortcut. Whether it is a tip on how to prepare a recipe faster, or a trick for putting on makeup, a good shortcut will make my day a little easier. Fitness and nutrition are no different. A great tip can make all the difference.

Most moms are short on time, so I want to give you the tools to get the most out of your fitness and nutrition in the best use of your time. Healthier choices, happier you!

For more tips and tricks, please check out my web site at http://fitchicktricks.com Kristine a.k.a Musclemommy
http://fitchicktricks.com

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