You know how sometimes we moms think we know what's right for our kids? Well, sometimes we can be more mistaken than you can ever imagine! And what's worse, sometimes we do things incorrectly unknowingly and thinking we are doing great. For example, many times we may think think we are giving the best to our children and it turns out we aren't. Take a look at this list of the WORST foods we feed our children–many of them will leave you in total shock.
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When I read it I myself was shocked, because as many of the foods that were included are a part of my children's diet–and I'm sure they're part of yours too. So check out the list below of foods that seem healthy but aren't and make sure you substitute with healthier options!
Image via Enriqueta Lemoine
Cereals
In my house we love them because … they are a delight! According to the label, they are loaded with vitamins and minerals, but the truth is that they are made with ingredients that are so, so processed and refined that their nutritional value is virtually nil. If you can't do without them, the next time you go buy them opt for those that have at least 3 grams of fiber and less than 10 grams of sugar per serving. The best cereal we can give our children is a bowl of oatmeal with fruit.
Granola bars
I was in shock when I read that the granola bars that put in my children's lunchbox are loaded with sugar. And no wonder, if they have bits of chocolate and fructose syrup, among all the sweet things they put in them … Why not try to give them granola with nuts? Here's one of my recipes that is scrumptious, easy to make and, above all, very healthy.
Pre-packaged lunches
I know your children love them. Mine used to beg me to buy them because many children carry them in their lunchboxes. But I never gave in to the temptation and I don’t regret it. Box lunches contain so many preservatives and nitrates and artificial substances that just the idea of eating them is frightening. Instead, it is healthier and cheaper to prepare them a delicious sandwich at home.
Twinkies and other cupcakes with cream
I know your children adore them. Mine too. But they have zero nutritional value and instead come loaded with fats and sugars. For a healthier option, put a banana, strawberries, apple, pear or grapes in your kids’ lunch box.
Fries
You and I know that every time we give French fries to our children, especially those sold in fast food chains, we are telling them, "Here's a ticket for the obesity raffle," and knowing this we keep on feeding it to them. What if instead of fries you give baked sweet potato fries? They're amazingly easy to make and so much more nutritious.
Pizza
Yes, I know, everybody loves pizza and there is nothing easier to fix dinner than ordering pizza, but have you noticed all the fat they contain? Try homemade pizza; you can buy prepared dough and load it with healthy veggies and wholesome ingredients.
Crackers
More terrible news because everyone loves them. I don’t buy them anymore, but I did for a long time. The thing about these cookies is that they come loaded with fat, preservatives, chemicals and super processed flours. Give your kids fresh fruits instead. Nothing like an apple to satisfy the craving for crunchy foods.
Fruit roll-ups
I know, your kids love them. Mine do too and they assured me that they were eating fruits. But the truth is that what they were eating was sugar and nothing else. Replace them with fresh or dried fruits, like raisins, dried cranberries and dried apricot and peach.
