Nutrition for Children & Teens: JUNK FOODS

JUNK FOODS

No matter how well parents promote healthy eating, it can be difficult for any kid to avoid the temptation of junk food.

Instead of eliminating junk food entirely, which tends to increase cravings even more, try substituting some healthier alternatives.

Kid-friendly junk food alternatives
Instead of…	Try…
French fries Ice cream Fried chicken Doughnuts or pastries Chocolate-chip cookies Potato chips	“Baked fries” grilled in the oven and salted lightly Low-fat frozen yogurt; sorbet; fresh fruit smoothies Baked or grilled chicken Bagels; English muffins; home baked goods with less sugar/fat Graham crackers, fig bars, vanilla wafers, fruit and caramel dip Pretzels, unbuttered popcorn, baked potato chips, soy crisps

Eating out with kids: fast food and restaurant nutrition for children

It might be challenging to persuade your youngster to order a salad instead of a cheeseburger, but you can steer them towards healthier options. Some important tips to remember about fast food and restaurant dining for kids:

• Avoid sodas – Kids should drink water or milk instead.
• Avoid chicken nuggets – Unhealthy imposters of real chicken.
• Skip the fries – Consider taking along a bag of mini carrots, grapes, or other fruits and vegetables to have instead. This will add vitamins and fiber to the meal.
• Order the kid's meal with some substitutions – Children often love the kid's meal more for the fun box and toys than for the food. Ask to substitute healthier choices for the soda and the fries if possible.
• Opt for chicken and vegetables or spaghetti with tomato sauce in a sit-down restaurant, rather than a big plate of macaroni and cheese.