
Got Nutrition Questions?
What foods are healthy? What is the best way to achieve a healthy weight? What are good nutritious snacks that kids actually like?
We asked SuperKids Nutrition Founder, Registered Dietitian, and Creator of the Super Crew ®, Melissa Halas-Liang, MA RD CDE, and her winning team of nutrition and health experts to provide us with the answers to frequently asked nutrition questions that parents and educators demand to know. This team represents a diverse, nationally recognized group of Registered Dietitians and nutrition professionals who specialize in Childhood, School, and Family Nutrition. They provide nutrition resources, services and fun educational activities to help schools and communities to be their best.
SuperKids Nutrition Answers Your Questions on Nutrition, Fitness, and Health
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What are some easy, tasty, fun, and healthy snacks to have available for kids when they come home from school? All my daughter wants is junk....She is so hungry; it's hard to convince her to have a carrot stick!
First, believe that change can occur – there are healthy foods your child will enjoy. I see eating habits improve all the time! When possible, get your child involved in meal and snack preparation. If he/she plays a role in food preparation at least a couple times a week, he/she will be more willing to try the foods served. Identify which snacks really need to improve or change entirely. If your child is eating cheese puffs every day, take them off the shopping list for a while. Some kids need a snack or mini-meal after school before dinner because lunch is served early in the day. Healthy and tasty suggestions include:
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I can't get my kids to eat vegetables. Is fruit just as good?
Fruits contain many of the same vitamins and minerals that vegetables contain, but in different proportions. It's ideal for kids to get a mix of both. But if fruit is all your child will stomach, it's certainly a great choice. The cons of shunning vegetables? Vegetables contain some unique compounds that fight cancer and heart disease and many of these are not available from fruits. Fruit also tends to be higher in calories than vegetables. Be sure to continue to offer a wide range of colorful fruits and veggies –kids tastes change and you don't want to miss out on your child adding a new food to his/her diet. The key here is experimentation. Try adding a vegetable that you do not typically serve, or offer them in a different form, or shape. Another idea: have your child find a new veggie to try at the grocery store. Less familiar veggies such as jicama (pronounced Hic-a-ma), celery, or sugar snap peas may spark his/her interest. A slight tweak may change your child's mind about a certain vegetable. For example, he/she may not like cooked broccoli, but he/she may like raw broccoli slaw mixed with his/her favorite low-fat ranch dressing. Another possibility is trying a variation on that cruciferous staple. For example, cauliflower and broccolini are less bitter and kids may be more willing to eat them. Spring rolls with lettuce and carrots (not fried) or lightly steamed edamame, (which kids enjoy popping out of the pods) served with soy sauce, are also kid-friendly choices. Sometimes it's just a matter of texture over taste. Your kids may not like cooked zucchini cut into coins, but they may like shredded, cooked zucchini. Consider adding fresh fruit with dinner if your child repeatedly skips veggies. Mandarin oranges, dried cranberries, or chopped apples make good additions to salads, rice or stuffing. Applesauce is a good side dish and don't forget other fruit foods such as mango or pineapple salsa. I've also added cooked butternut squash in fruit smoothies, pumpkin in pancakes and in vanilla yogurt and shredded zucchini in whole grain muffins. Kids don't miss a beat, and hearing you talk about what they don't like will likely increase their resistance. "Sneaking" veggies into foods is controversial, but my opinion is that you shouldn't be afraid to sneak in veggies. I make a mean turkey meatloaf with all sorts of undetectable vegetables including minced and pre-cooked onions, chives, herbs, carrots, and zucchini. All of these tips help create an open environment of trying new foods. Always let the choice of whether to try a food rest with your child. With small children, you can even tell them they have to try one bite, but if they don't like it, spit it out. Gently let your child know it can take a few times before they like the taste – so be sure they try it again the next time you're cooking that meal. Think of a food they didn't like before and enjoy now, and use this as an example. |
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It is inevitable that you have to eat fast food on occasion. What are the better options for our kids?
Fast food is a popular choice in the US, for its perceived convenience and appeal, reinforced by advertising. Each day, almost a third of US children and adolescents eat a fast food meal. Keep in mind that the portions sizes are not the same as they were when you were a kid. Fast food can sometimes pack in two to three times as many calories today than it did 20 years ago. But you can choose healthy foods when eating on the go. Most of the chains provide either on-line or on-sight nutrition information, so be sure to use the information to help you make the best choices. The first thing you want to watch is the calories. A quarter pounder with cheese, large French fries, and a 12 oz soda will cost you around 1120 calories. If you split an order of French fries, skip the soda, and have a regular hamburger, your meal will only be about 440 calories. Of course, all calories aren't created equal. Fruits, veggies, whole grains, and lean proteins are all related to better health and energy, and you're missing out on all of these when you have a fast-food meal. So a hamburger and fries shouldn't be weekly choices, and I don't recommend soda (diet or regular) for kids. What should you order when fast food is your only option? Opt for a grilled chicken sandwich without the special sauces. Some chains offer meal size salads, which are a good option too, but be cautious of how much dressing you use -some contain upwards of 200 calories. And when those fries are really hard to resist, split a small or medium order as a family. |
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Is it OK to let my kids get their own snacks whenever they want?
It's great to encourage independence with your children, but it's best to have a regular schedule when it comes to meals and snacks. Keeping healthy foods in stock and limiting the amount and type of junk that's on hand makes it much easier to regulate kids' choices. Keep your kitchen stocked with washed apples, baby carrots, sugar snap peas, or pre-portioned low-fat cheese and whole wheat crackers. Offering 3 meals a day and ensuring your kids eat a healthy breakfast helps limit unnecessary snacking and encourages healthy meals, snacks, and overall dietary balance. If you have a 'young wondering chef' continually interested in the new taste adventures waiting to be discovered in the kitchen, try creating some healthy snack adventures together. Homemade whole grain bars, fruit and yogurt parfaits, mini whole grain muffins, corn bread, and making fruits and veggies into fun shapes with cookie cutters are just a few ideas. Make sure you prepare foods together when you're not in a rush. Involving children in food preparation has many benefits, including fostering a healthy relationship with food, enjoyment of cooking, learning math and measuring skills, following directions, and good food safety habits such as proper hand washing. It's also a great way to spend family time. |
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How bad is high fructose corn syrup for my kids?
If you read food labels, you may be surprised by just how many foods contain sugar or high fructose corn syrup. Also try to choose products that do not have sugar listed as one of the two first ingredients. Sugar is not always listed as "sugar," but can have different names, including:
Be sure to avoid added sugars in products not intended to taste sweet, such as tomato sauce, soups, breads, or frozen waffles. Whenever possible, choose foods that contain natural sugars such as fruit juice. Although not all nutrition professionals agree that some types of sugars are better than others, I recommend choosing food sweetened with sugar instead of food sweetened with high fructose corn syrup (HFCS). Recent research shows a considerable correlation between high fructose corn syrup and obesity. Because of the way it is digested, high fructose corn syrup does not stimulate insulin secretion, a process that tells your body that calories have been consumed. When insulin is not secreted, overeating is more likely. And this can result in weight gain over time. Even though sugar is a better choice, keep in mind that too much sugar of any kind introduces lots of calories, but few nutrients, into the body. It's better to enjoy sweet treats that are naturally sweet, high in fiber and complex carbohydrates such as fruit salad and healthy versions of desserts like apple pie with whole wheat crust. |
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I got a note from my daughter's school telling me she is overweight. What am I supposed to do now, put her on a diet?
Kids are rarely prescribed a diet, unless their weight puts them at a critical or immediate health risk. Changing the types of foods that the child eats and adjusting the portions are better steps to preventing or treating overweight. These approaches work best for growing children, emotionally and physically. Encourage your child to eat a healthy breakfast, to eat regular meals, and to engage in exercise most days of the week. Some research shows that, especially for teens, dieting can be counterproductive and can increase the risk of eating disorders and weight fluctuations. It's best to help children create healthy eating patterns for a lifetime rather than teaching them to deny themselves needed nutrients or to ignore their body's hunger signals. To help young children build a healthy relationship with food and to help your family avoid food struggles, focus on helping your child makes small changes, such as:
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My child eats a lot throughout the day and is still very thin. How can I beef him or her up?
Keep in mind that in some states 1 out of 3 children is overweight or obese. It could be that your child is at a healthy weight for him or her personally. The same weight on one child may appear too thin or too heavy on another child. At your child's wellness visits, the physician documents his or her height and weight on a growth chart. If your child is growing on the same growth curve (the percentile is similar as previously documented), your child may be genetically thin. Your child may have a high metabolism or may be very active, but not necessarily unhealthy. Be careful about demanding "clean your plate" after meals or making comments such as "you're too thin." Bargaining with kids or offering rewards for additional bites can also take the pleasure out of eating and make kids overeat when their bodies may be saying "stop." Remember, children are not adults, so they don't need to finish adult-size portions. However, if your child is suddenly dropping weight, talk to your health care provider. It could be that his/her activity level has increased substantially or he/she could be going through a growth spurt. If you're offering healthy foods, your child is probably able to regulate his/her food intake. If your child is complaining about being hungry, consider trying dried fruit, nuts, or avocado slices as snacks, which will provide him/her with a healthy source of nutrient-dense calories. It's also good to be aware when a child consistently shows negative attitudes about food and eating, as this can signal a budding eating disorder. Some key signs of eating disorders, which can begin early in some children, include: over-awareness of portion sizes or calorie content, fear of weight gain, avoidance social gatherings where food is present, or avoidance of certain food groups. |
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How bad are chicken nuggets?
It depends. Some chicken nuggets include the skin, added salt, and batter that can contain twice as much saturated fat .However, chicken nuggets made of white meat chicken breast and baked in the oven instead of fried can be quite healthful. So it's important to read the ingredient list and food label and then prepare foods in the healthiest ways possible. To save money and ensure healthfulness, try making your own nuggets by cutting up chicken breast (without the skin), dipping chicken pieces in egg whites, and rolling in seasoned bread crumbs. Again, be sure to bake, not fry, to avoid unhealthy saturated fat. Kids like the appeal of bite-size pieces. Pair them with a salad full of bite size grape tomatoes, or serve healthier sweet potato fries (they do exist, just be sure to read the labels), and a yummy low-fat salad dressing. |
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I'm usually folding laundry while my young child eats dinner and she won't sit still. Nothing works! What can I do? She doesn't seem to want to eat dinner.
Your child may see you doing an activity and feel like he/she is missing out. Try to eat as a family whenever possible. Family meals create the opportunity to sit and be together, share stories and concerns, and, as kids grow older, to learn about what problems or challenges they may be facing. If your children see you standing, they are less likely to stay focused on their meal. It's not always possible to eat as a family, but try to commit to eating together a few days a week. Eating together now, when possible, may make life easier later! It's also important to note that your child may not be hungry at meal time due to too much grazing or snacking throughout the day. Be sure your child is not filling up too close to meal time. Pay attention to when and what he/she is eating. In addition, sometimes small children aren't comfortable at the table. Help little ones sit up straight by giving them a booster seat or a support (a box or step stool, for example) to support their feet if needed. |
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Between all the birthday parties, holidays, Halloween, and school celebrations it seems like my kid is always having junk. What can I do to break the junk food cycle?
Teach your children limits. Discuss with them how healthy foods work in the body to create strong bones, a healthy brain, lasting energy, and immunity against diseases. Kids need most of their calories to come from foods that nourish their bodies. Healthy foods protect your child's DNA, which contains an important list of directions that tells your body what to do. For parties and gatherings, volunteer to bring in a fruit platter with a flavored yogurt dip. Kids like bit-size pieces of fruit like grapes, pineapple triangles, watermelon, and apples (dip in orange juice first to prevent browning). To save on costs, ask another mom or two to help you split the cost or divide the fruit. Other great party snacks include:
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I always hear about fiber. What foods are high in fiber and why do my kids even need it?
Fiber is important for more than just regular bowl movements. It can also reduce the risk of blood clots, decrease inflammation, and lower cholesterol (a growing problem in kids). Good sources of fiber include fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains. Lentils are also jammed packed with fiber and contain diabetes and heart disease-fighting compounds. Foods that are considered to be high in fiber contain at least 5 grams per serving. Foods with a good source of fiber have 2.5 to 4 grams per serving. But don't be fooled by some cereals that add extra fiber but don't actually contain that much whole grain. Read the ingredient list and look for the words "whole" such as whole oats, whole wheat, and whole rye. If the package lists "enriched" or "bleached" flour as a primary ingredient, it's not a source of health-promoting ingredients for your family or child. Try replacing traditional pasta with some whole grain pastas, such as whole wheat pasta or a whole wheat blend pasta, spelt, quinoa spaghetti (pronounced keen-wa), Japanese buckwheat noodles (also known as soba noodles) or whole wheat pasta. |
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My in-laws have been telling me my child is "chunky." He's just solid, built strong. I don't want to be too strict on food choices, they're only young once and I want him to enjoy his childhood. What should I do?
Unless your in-laws (or parents, friends, etc.) happens to be a medical doctor or dietitian, you should seek real medical advice. Talk to your doctor and get his/her honest opinion. Even healthy kids can go through a chunky stage, but still remain within a normal growth pattern. It's important to look at family history and track weight and height on a growth chart with your physician. If the physician is concerned, you can ask for a referral to see a Registered Dietitian to help you plan quick, healthy meals and snacks. Evaluate your diet. Are the majority of the food choices your family makes healthy? I usually recommend aiming for about 90% of your food choices and calories to be healthy for your body and 10% to be "fun" calories. Keep in mind that even reduced fat ice cream has calcium, which is good for your bones. Start including more fruits, vegetables, whole grains and beans in your diet. If you haven't made the switch to low-fat or skim milk, or reduced-fat or low-fat cheese, start to gradually make these changes. If you have young children it's important to know that overweight prevention should start at age four. By the age of six, children of overweight mothers are fifteen times more likely to be obese than children of lean mothers. Looking at today's adult statistics of overweight and obese adults, three out of 4 teens will become overweight or obese adults. This is not a vanity problem, rather a health problem as kids are being diagnosed with diseases such as type 2 diabetes and high cholesterol. Heart disease, sleep apnea, and other problems are also increasing in young adults. Talking to your physician can help you determine whether you should be concerned now and try to prevent weight or health problems later. You want to be careful not to create an unhealthy relationship with food for your kids, which is correlated to eating disorders in tweens or teens. |
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How can I save on costs when preparing meals, but still keep our family's diet healthy? It's so expensive to feed families these days.
There are a lot of ways to save on costs today while preserving the integrity of your diet. Quiche is a great low cost meal that can be made more healthful by adding veggies and low fat cheese, and using a whole wheat crust. . It's a great source of protein and calcium. Another low-cost meal is a chicken, vegetable-rice casserole made with reduced-fat soup, California frozen vegetables, brown rice, chopped onion and leftover chicken or canned white meat chicken. Here are some other cost-saving tips:
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What can I give my child for breakfast when she says she's not hungry?
Sometime kids just aren't hungry when they're leaving for school really early in the morning. If they have a long bus ride, consider packing a meal to eat during the ride. Healthy whole wheat English muffin pizzas or half a sandwich are good options. You can also make a waffle sandwich with low fat Greek yogurt (won't ooze out), nuts, and fruit. Banana or apple slices with peanut butter or fruit smoothies are also good on the go. Granola bars are a popular choice for a mid-morning snack that kids can keep in their backpacks and eat when they become too hungry. (*Just check for nut content in granola bars and obey your school's nut-containing foods policy designed to protect allergic children.) Remind your kids of the benefits of breakfast: higher energy, better test scores, and an energetic start to the day. |
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About SuperKidsNutrition: Melissa Halas-Liang is the founder and Editor in Chief of SuperKidsNutrition.com, a website offering expertise and services from a diverse group of national experts who share a passion and commitment for good nutrition. Her purpose is “to save the world one healthy food at a time™”. Melissa is also the author of the Super Crew children’s books which provide fun reading adventures designed to motivate kids to try fruits and vegetables to become strong, smart and healthy.
Halas-Liang is a Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Educator with a Masters degree in Nutrition Education and holds a Certificate of training for Childhood and Adolescent Weight Management. Melissa has over 15 years of diverse experience in nutrition management, counseling, clinical trials, teaching, media and writing and currently serves as Co-President of the Los Angeles District of the California Dietetic Association.
SuperKids Nutrition experts provide trusted, evidence-based and reliable nutrition information and resources to help improve the lives of children and their families. It has become an amazing child nutrition resource that provides easy-to-read, credible information for parents and healthcare professionals, as well as engaging tools to educate children on the importance of eating healthy.
conditioning and expert coaching aren't enough to push you to be your best.Good nutrition must be a key part of your training program for you to succeed.