Parents do their best to make certain that they are giving their children adequate nutrition and quality meals. Sometimes this is easier to do by giving them whole fruits and vegetables directly. However, there are times when busy schedules and long workdays make providing fresh, homemade meals somewhat difficult. This is where it can get a little tricky for parents.
Packaged foods are advertised and marketed for offering convenience. Although they may provide convenience, they increase the risk of exposure to unhealthy ingredients via additives and preservatives. One of the of commonly added ingredients that is dangerously unhealthy when consumed in excess is sugar. It is the added sugars in many packaged and processed food items that are a major health concern. Natural sugars found in fruits and vegetables and some other foods are not as concerning.
Sugar has various names and forms. To identify if a product has added sugar and the amount of added sugar it may have, parents must familiarize themselves with the names of sugar, the forms of sugar, and the types of sugar. Review this infographic to see a list of the different names of sugar.
Always check the labels of packaged and processed foods. Get in the habit of reading labels and/or monitoring ingredient lists of your commonly used brands.
Be aware that some processed foods contain natural sugars and added sugars. In this case, you may not know the amount of natural sugars versus the amount of added sugars. If you can avoid purchasing products that label their ingredients in this way, do so.
If you are unsure about any ingredient listed, look it up.
To minimize exposure to unwanted ingredients such as added sugars, parents should regularly read nutrition labels. Steer clear of highly processed food items as this is the easiest way to escape added sugar. Alternatively, opt for whole, unprocessed foods. Follow this link to an article by the American Academy of Pediatrics on added sugar in children’s diets.
Eating foods that are in season is beneficial in that you are consuming foods that have naturally ripened therefore increasing the availability of the nutrients. Consuming foods in the proper season also enhances the flavor of those foods due to the reduction in chemical interference.
I hope that you find this information helpful. Remember to consistently offer a variety of nutritious whole foods to your little one to help foster their interest in natural food early on.
Toddlers and young children can be incredibly picky eaters. Picky eating is considered a normal part of childhood development. Picky eaters can be challenging for parents and guardians. Here I offer a few tips to help maneuverer these types of encounters.
Parents do their best to make certain that they are giving their children adequate nutrition and quality meals. Sometimes this is easier to do by giving them whole fruits and vegetables directly.
The content on this site is provided for informational and educational purposes only, and is not intended to substitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to replace advice or treatment from a physician. It is recommended that all readers and viewers of this content consult with a qualified health professional concerning any health issues. Any products discussed or endorsed are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease, or to be used as the basis for treating a particular symptom or disease. All viewers of this content, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should seek the advice of a physician before beginning any nutrition, supplement, or lifestyle program.
