It is not easy to say no to kids, especially when it comes to food. But there are certain food items and drinks that parents should completely avoid. Occasionally, it may be permissible but not regularly. Want to know about what foods to avoid? Read on to know them.
1. Packed Beverages and Food Items
Any packed juice, drink, flavored water, and soda among others should be a strict no for growing kids. They are full of preservatives, and artificial sweeteners and loaded with high amounts of sugar.
Similarly, bakery products, packed food or deep-fried food items should be avoided. These foods have saturated and trans fats that are unhealthy for your child’s health. They not only cause obesity and other related diseases but can also increase bad cholesterol in the body. However, unsaturated fats such as nuts, avocados, seeds, etc. can be given to kids in moderate amounts as they contain healthy fats.
2. Raw Vegetables and Fruits
Never give raw vegetables and fruits like grapes, corn, baby carrots, celery, and green peas to your babies as they are a potential choking hazard. Even avoid giving raw bell peppers, broccoli, cauliflower, beans, ladyfinger, etc. as they contain high levels of nitrates. Always wash them thoroughly and cook or boil them till they become soft for kids to chew easily. Even whole nuts and peanuts should be avoided due to choking hazards. Always give nuts in powdered form or chop them finely while adding them to a dish.
3. Salty Food
Chips, crackers, crisps, takeaways, readymade meals, sausages, and bacon among other food items that have too much added salt should not be given to kids regularly as it is not good for their growing kidneys. Always check the nutrition facts label to find food with less or no salt.
4. Raw Sprouts
Although sprouts, such as alfalfa and mung bean sprouts, are considered to be healthy as they contain fiber, protein, and several micronutrients, feeding raw sprouts to babies or young kids is not a good idea. Raw sprouts may contain harmful bacteria, such as E. coli and salmonella, that can cause food poisoning and affect your baby’s health. It’s even difficult for kids to digest raw food which is why always give well-cooked sprouts to babies.
Similarly, even raw or partially cooked eggs should not be given as they can cause food poisoning and adversely harm kids’ immature digestive systems. Food items with raw or partially cooked eggs like certain salad dressings, mayonnaise, eggnog, and ice cream should not be consumed by your kids. It may even develop an allergic reaction among kids.
5. Fish High in Mercury
Food high in mercury such as orange roughy, king mackerel, marlin, shark, and swordfish, among others, should be avoided as mercury can be harmful to the brain and nervous system if kids are exposed to it too much over time.
It is essential to keep a check on what your kids eat to ensure they grow into healthy individuals. So, avoid these foods or limit their intake in your kid’s diet for their good overall health.
You can also read 5 Healthy Sugar Substitutes for Kids
