Do you keep processed snack foods in the house?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I try to take an “everything in moderation” approach, but my teens will almost always opt for Goldfish and other processed food if we have it. I’ve thought of not buying it, but I hate sending the message that anything is “bad.”

Why wouldn’t you want to send the message that a bad thing is bad?

Not OP, but perhaps because it is widely regarded as harmful by experts in pediatric nutrition. A quick Google search about labeling food as “good” or “bad” to children will bring up pages of research. It is associated with shame, bingeing, and disordered eating.

It's now recommendeded I believe to talk about nutrition value. Like a PP mentioned i.e. apple and peanut snack will keep you full longer because of the protein vs having goldfish crackers.

“Feel full longer” is code for “helps you eat less”

Teens trying to gain weight and consume more calories might actually find it helpful to save those protein snacks for after a carb heavy snack that doesn’t provide the same high satiety.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I try to take an “everything in moderation” approach, but my teens will almost always opt for Goldfish and other processed food if we have it. I’ve thought of not buying it, but I hate sending the message that anything is “bad.”

Why wouldn’t you want to send the message that a bad thing is bad?

Not OP, but perhaps because it is widely regarded as harmful by experts in pediatric nutrition. A quick Google search about labeling food as “good” or “bad” to children will bring up pages of research. It is associated with shame, bingeing, and disordered eating.

NP, but I disagree. They are bad for you. End of discussion. 70% of adults adults are overweight. No matter what you do or don’t do, chances are high that will be your kids one day.
So at least teach them the facts.

Actual professionals who research the topic disagree with you, so I’ll look to them for guidance. Their research suggests restricting certain foods in children causes them to overchoose and overconsume the restricted foods once the restriction is lifted. Those are the actual facts, not something you made up.

Foods don’t have moral value. Food provides nutrients, calories, protein, fiber…pleasure. A diet of all carrots is decidedly less healthy than a diet of all processed food that meets dietary needs. A single food in the context of a varied diet is not bad.

I feel guilt every single time I have dessert or a “bad” food. Deep shame and an impulse to punish myself with additional exercise - even though I live in a small, physically fit body. My relationship with food is still unhealthy mentally and physically. Fatness is not the only undesirable consequence of this issue.

Processed snack foods are meant to be over-consumed. They are loaded with sugar, fat, and salt to be addictive and to make you crave more. They are not only linked to obesity, but cancers and metabolic issues. They are BAD for you, and not just bc of lack of nutrients. They are actually bad for you and it is perfectly fine to say so. Cigarettes are bad for you too. So is alcohol. So is bacon.

It’s ok to recognize something is bad for you, but if you enjoy it, enjoy is once in a while and in small amounts. Or don’t. Your kids live in a world where processed and convenience foods are king. They need to know that they are in fact bad for them so they can make different choices and/or limit portions when they do have. Why do you think so many people are overweight now? It isn’t the GMO apples..