Nutrition Labels Show and Tell

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If you can’t pronounce the name of an ingredient, do you really want your child to eat it? Some words, even if you can pronounce them are intentionally designed to confuse. For instance, any word ending in “ose” is a sugar.

It can be very challenging to get your children to eat the foods needed for healthy bodies and strong bones. To ensure that your child is eating the correct foods at lunchtime, parents often send along a pre-packed lunch. Good intentions, however, can easily go awry if the fat, sodium and sugar content of the foods selected are not closely monitored. Parents should do their homework which begins at the next trip to the grocery store. Study the ingredients lists and nutritional labels and make sure to compare them with the serving sizes.

Researchers have shown that poor eating habits during childhood lead to chemical and anatomical changes which can then lead to heart disease later in life. Scientists agree that no more than half of a food’s calories should come from fat and saturated fats should be completely avoided.

Here are some examples that we as parents have included in our child’s lunch sacks not knowing the true values.

• Jif Creamy Peanut Butter - two tablespoons, 190 calories (130 from fat); 16g fat (3g saturated); 150mg of sodium; and 3 g of sugar.
• Sargento String Cheese - one piece , 70 calories (40 from fat); 4.5 g fat (3g saturated); 200 mg sodium and 0 sugar.
• Dannon Yogurt - strawberry fruit on bottom. 210 calories (15 from fat); 2 g fat (1 g saturated); 140 mg sodium; and 38g sugar.
• Dole Fruit Gel Bowls - peaches and strawberry. 80 calories ( 0 fat); 90 mg sodium; and 20 g sugar.
• Little Debbie Swiss Rolls - two cakes, 270 calories (110 from fat); 12g fat (3 g saturated); 140 mg sodium; and 25 g sugar.

For some healthy options, you must focus on natural, whole foods. It is important to avoid the refined sugars and white flours as well as processed items with chemical additives. Explore your health food store or the health food section in your local grocery store and experiment with the extensive array of treats your little ones will enjoy.

Some healthy suggestions:

• Pack bottled water instead of soda
• Choose raw veggies and nuts instead of other sweet snacks
• Whole grain breads make the sandwiches more nutritious
• Apple slices with almond butter is a healthy treat
• Pretzles are great but watch the sodium intake
• Raisins and dried fruits are great alternatives, but be sure to watch the sugar intake (too much sugar weakens the immune system)
• Instead of the usual bread try using pita bread or tortilla wraps for a unique change
• Leftovers make a yummy lunch treat

There are many creative ways to pack a lunch for your little ones. It is important to read lables and monitor their sugar intake. Make bringing a sack lunch fun again with unique and different ways, yet nutritious for your little ones. Try implementing storage containers for their lunches which will keep the sandwich from getting soggy. Try carrot chips instead of carrot sticks, the ideas are endless. Make your child’s lunch nutritious and fun, it can be accomplished with little effort and loads of creativity.

Dr. Daisy (aka Dr. Mommy) is a Doctor of Chiropractic by profession, wife to a loving and supporting husband and home school mom to 5 beautiful children. She is a speaker, blogger and freelance writer that devotes her time to educate the public on the importance of nutrition and their health.

For more insight on her love of health and nutrition you can visit her Healthy Nutrition Hints Blog. http://healthynutritionhints.com

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Written by Dr. Daisy · Filed Under Health & Wellness 

Dr. Daisy is a Doctor of Chiropractic by profession, wife to a loving and supporting husband and home school mom to 5 beautiful children. She is a speaker, blogger and freelance writer that devotes her time to educate the public on the importance of nutrition and their health. For more insight on her love of health and nutrition you can visit her Healthy Nutrition Hints Blog. http://healthynutritionhints.com

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