Fast food has become a convenience for all of us. When it comes to our kids though, there are some foods in this category that should be avoided or at least limited if we want to ensure that our kids don’t get fat.
1. Chicken Nuggets: Unfortunately this happens to be a favorite of all kids. Though you may rationalize to yourself that there is plenty of protein in here so it’s okay, the reality is that the fried coating is a killer when it comes to calories. The other bad part is that kids will eat nothing but chicken nuggets if you let them, so they are getting a ton of calories from these on a fairly regular basis. Either limit these, go for a baked option whenever possible, or get rid of them as a staple item in the diet.
2. French Fries: Who doesn’t love a nice order of golden French fries? Though they are okay as an occasional treat in the form of a small order, they happen to be an accompaniment to nearly every fast food meal. This is terrible when you think about the way in which they are cooked and the amount of calories that they have in them. If you want to save your little darling from getting fat, allow these as a special treat.
3. Pizza: Sure there are ways to make your pizza healthier, but the reality is that many of us don’t adhere to them. There’s a ton of cheese, fatty meat, and all the grease to go along with it that make what could have been a perfectly good pizza turn into a diet sabotage. The other bad part is that kids adore pizza and therefore will eat it as often as you give it to them. Try other options or at least go for healthier choices such as veggie toppings or make your own at home to control the fat.
4. Cheeseburgers: A burger made at home is usually a pretty decent meal. A burger purchased from a fast food restaurant is loaded with calories and cooked in a less than stellar manner. The cheese and other toppings add to the fact that it is not an ideal food to feed your kids often. Either make your own burgers at home, eliminate all the fatty toppings, or go for a healthier alternative on the menu whenever possible.
5. Hot Dogs: Parents love them because they are convenient. Kids love them because they taste good. Put them together and you see why hot dogs happen to be a main staple in most kids diets. Having one here and there or going for a turkey dog is just fine. Ordering them off of a fast food menu where the cooking method is questionable and the fat content is alarming is another story. Save these for an at home dinner where you can go for a leaner version and grill them to control the calorie count.
6. Soda Pop: This happens to be the beverage of choice for many fast food meals. Kids are drinking soda pop far too early and in too large of amounts. They are loaded with empty calories and these all add up to make your child fat. Only offer soda pop as a special treat and get them to drink milk, water, or fruit juice with their meals whenever possible.
7. Ice Cream: A nice little sweet treat on a hot summer day is part of childhood. Ice cream after every meal, particularly fatty meals is another story. Many fast food meals come with ice cream or it may seem like the perfect ending. Only use ice cream as a treat for your child so that they can really enjoy it. If you get them used to eating it after every meal, you will most definitely contribute to their chances of getting fat.
You may think that it’s inevitable that your child will get fat; however you do have control over it. If you can make the right choices for them and avoid these foods, they have a much higher chance of staying fit and trim.
Mary Frederick shares information with readers on how to obtain a masters of public health.