Ditch the Junk: Choose Healthy Snacks Over Salty, Sugary Treats

young girl smiles at lunch table with healthy food

Junk food and sugary treats are everywhere. While it’s convenient to grab burgers and fries to go, these items, as well as candy, cookies and pop are full of empty calories. “they’re ‘fast sugars’ in that they are quickly absorbed without any nutritional elements for the brain and metabolism,” says Cristina Fernandez, M.D., pediatrician with Children’s Physicians. “Eating junk foods stimulates the ‘hunger hormone,’ ghrelin, which leads to craving more unhealthy food.”


Nearly 1 in 3 children in America is overweight or obese.


THERE ARE PLENTY OF REASONS TO CURB THE JUNK FOOD HABIT. The resultant blood-sugar spike likely revs up a child, who then crashes into fatigue. A child might also feel irritable, stressed out and bloated. Regularly eating sweets and junk food results in unnecessary weight gain, risking obesity. This can lead to fatty liver disease, kidney problems, elevated cholesterol and triglycerides, diabetes, sleep apnea, chronic headaches, depression and other health issues as children get older, says Dr. Fernandez.

EVEN COST IS A FACTOR. While it may seem that unhealthier foods are easier on a budget, some junk foods cost more than the healthy alternative. Unhealthy processed foods also are higher in calories, salt, added sugars, carbohydrates, fats (trans and saturated) and other harmful ingredients.

TO HELP INSTILL HEALTHY EATING HABITS WHILE CHILDREN ARE YOUNG, START THIS HABIT AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE. For an infant, choose baby foods carefully, paying attention to added sugar amounts in each brand. Whatever the age, the more children eat healthier foods, the more likely they’ll prefer them and enjoy the benefits of less added sugar.


HEALTHY LUNCH: Stock the refrigerator with lunch items by category (fruit, vegetable, grain, dairy) and let children help pack their own lunches.

Other News

 

Bug Bites in Children: Prevention, Treatment and When To See a Pediatrician

Bug bites and stings in children are common, but they can also be uncomfortable and dangerous. Learn about preventing and treating bug bites.

Read More
 

What Parents of Children with ADHD Should Know About the ADHD Medication Shortage

The ADHD medication shortage has parents concerned, and rightfully so. Read about the shortage and supporting your child with ADHD.

Read More
 

Signs Of Autism Spectrum Disorder

Read about the signs of autism spectrum disorder, or ASD, to monitor your child’s development and get them the necessary support, if needed.

Read More
X

Search the Children's Nebraska Website

Looking for a provider?