Companies who market food for children use commercials, toys and bright colors to promote them. Unfortunately, these foods are not always a healthy option for your growing boy or girl. Instead of processed meals, single-ingredient foods that can be eaten separately or combined with other ingredients at home are healthier.
Lunch Kits
Lunch kits may seem convenient because they contain a seemingly balanced meal in bite-sized portions. Your child can assemble his own crackers with turkey and cheese, or put together a personal-pan pizza with pepperoni. However, one serving of Lunchables Chicken Wrapz contains 390 calories, 90 calories from fat, 10 grams of fat, 3.5 grams of saturated fat and 750 milligrams of sodium.
Sports Drinks and Sugary Juices
Sports drinks and juices look the same as 100-percent juice, and although they come in convenient bottles and pouches, they are not same. A 20-ounce bottle of Gatorade contains almost 30 grams of sugar. If the product label says 100 percent juice, it is a healthy option for your child.
Macaroni and Cheese
Macaroni and cheese is a delicious once-in-a-while treat should not be a frequent meal in your home, especially if you are using boxed or frozen kits. A 1-cup serving of Stouffer's Macaroni and Cheese contains 350 calories, 150 calories from fat, 17 grams of fat and 7 grams of saturated fat.
Fruit Snacks
Fruit snacks come in convenient packages and fun colors to entice your child. Unfortunately, fruit snacks often do not contain any fruit. One package of Gusher's Fruit Snacks contains 80 calories, 14 grams of sugar, and no nutritional value.
Peanut Butter Crackers
Crackers and peanut butter may seem like a protein-rich, nutritious snack to pack in your child's lunch. Unfortunately, combining buttery crackers with full-fat peanut butter will create a snack that is high in saturated fat and calories. A package of Austin Peanut Butter Crackers contains 200 calories, 10 grams of fat and 1.5 grams of saturated fat.
Chicken Nuggets
Chicken nuggets are a kid-friendly source of protein, but they are not as nutritious as chicken breast. A serving of five Tyson Chicken Nuggets contains 270 calories, 80 calories from fat, 17 grams of fat and 4 grams of saturated fat.
Granola Bars
Granola bars are marketed as a nutritious snack, but they contain large amounts of fat and sugar. One Kudos Chocolate Chip Granola Bar contains 130 calories, 45 calories from fat, 5 grams of fat and 3 grams of saturated fat.
Fruit Cups
Fruit cups seem like a quick way to add nutritious fruit to your child's lunch. Unfortunately, most fruit cups are packaged in either light or heavy syrup, which contains sugar. A Great Value Fruit Cup, featuring mixed fruit in light syrup contains 13 grams of sugar.
Kids' Fast Food Meals
Fast food meals marketed to children may be smaller than adult portions, but this does not mean they are a healthy option for your child. A McDonald's Cheeseburger Happy Meal contains 550 calories, 230 calories from fat, 25 grams of fat and 8.5 grams of saturated fat.
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