Kids Foods Deemed Unhealthy....No Way?!

Can you sense the sarcasm?Ask anyone to remember their child years and most will have a song or slogan or cartoon character they can relate to a food item. These advertisements are plastered all over kids TV networks, ads, and packages to simply attract the kids. Add in a toy and they are like wet sauerkraut in the major company's hands.


A recent article on philly.com spoke of an analysis of 367 kids products of which 90% were deemed unhealthy. Shocking right? Well, the bigger news is that this study excluded candy and soft drinks. So the 90% was for the everyday foods that parents willingly buy their kids and pack in their lunches.


These sugar, fat, and salt rich foods are destroying America's youth and causing a multitude of the problems that are seen today. I'm sure the study didn't even touch on artificial colors or flavors.

Even more disturbing is that 62% of these foods had some sort of nutritional claim. The article gives examples such as "made with real fruit juice" or "no artificial flavors". In my experience, the more a food has to claim its nutritional benefit, the worse it is. Imagine that person who tries to convince you they are smart by all the knowledge they know. That person either isn't smart, or is an a-hole.


So how can you teach your child to eat healthier? The simplest way is to set the proper example. Your child will eat what you eat. You can find some great cracker alternatives at whole foods. Our favorites are the Nut-Thins made by Blue Diamond. They come in almond, hazelnut, and pecan. I've attached a picture to help you find them.


You can also give your child fruits and veggies to bring to school. Baby carrots pack easily and taste good. If they won't eat them, give some cashew butter to dip them in. Spread some almond butter on some celery sticks. There are ways to get veggies into the diet. Pack some grapes or other fruits that taste good and travel well.


The key still is to set the example. Make time for food. If you snack on unhealthy foods, your child will too. Show that food isn't simply a necessity, but rather a way of living. Be creative and eat healthy. Your body and future teen will thank you.

Posted by Aaron Mittica at http://www.paleodietonline.com/




Lindsey and Ben enjoying the wod at 5:30this morning.


WOD
Press 1-1-1-1-1
Push Press 3-3-3-3-3
Push Jerk 5-5-5-5-5


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Salad Dressing
1/4 cup basil flavored olive oil
1 clove garlic diced
1/4 tsp superfine ground mustard
1/4 tsp oregano
fresh sqeezed lemon juice (1/4 small lemon)
salt and pepper to taste
shake well.


Honey Mustard Dressing
1/2 C spring water
1/2 C olive oil
1 t mustard powder
1 pinch of white pepper
1/8 t garlic powder
2 T honey
shake well.


Ranch Dressing
1 C paleo mayo
1 C coconut milk
1 t dried dill
1/2 t garlic powder
Pepper to taste
Mix all together. Better if refrigerated for one hour before serving butnot necessary. Should be noted that this tastes just like regular dressing,no coconut taste at all. Great as a salad dressing or dip for raw veggies.


For more Dressing Recipes click here.