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Junk Food is Healthier Than Many Baby Foods
The British Children’s Food Campaign recently completed a survey of 107 baby and toddler foods to find out whether the true nutritional values lived up to the manufacturer’s claims.
“The results of this survey are staggering,” said Christine Haigh, spokeswoman for the CFC.
“Many foods marketed for babies and young children are advertised as healthy. In reality, in terms of sugar and saturated fat content, some are worse than junk food.”
Some baby foods contain as much sugar and saturated fats as chocolate biscuits or cheeseburgers, the group said.
The published results of the survey showed that Heinz Farley’s rusks (known as ‘Teething Rusks’ in Australia) contained 29 grams of sugar, more than that contained in an equal piece of a McDonald’s quarter pounder burger with cheese.
The group said it examined the nutritional content of 107 baby and toddler foods available in the UK supermarkets early this year. It found only half the products were low in saturated fat, salt and sugar, as defined in Britain’s Food Standards Agency guidelines.
Emed’s Comment:
What you put in baby’s mouth is equally, if not more important than what you put into your own. Do you eat only canned food? Does everything you eat have a long expiry date? Is it all filled with artificial colours, ingredients and flavours?
No? So why would you feed your baby that rubbish?
Let’s face it – anything that can sit on a supermarket shelf for months and months cannot be healthy or fresh (despite what the label says). Often these baby foods will contain high amounts of fat, salt, sugar and an array of artificial preservatives, colours and flavours. None of which are beneficial to your little one.
Like the good old days, you’re better off making your own baby food. Making meals for your baby, toddler (and older children) gives you total control over what is put into their food. When you use fresh vegies, fruit, lean meats and fish, you known it’s free of additives, preservatives and colouring that a tiny tummy simply doesn’t need or can handle.
Sure, making the food may take a little longer, but at least you know what your baby is eating is 100% natural. This is especially important if your child is prone to allergies. Allergies to colourings, flavouring and preservatives is more common that usually thought. Excessive intake of these artificial nasties can lead to food sensitivities, hyperactivity and inability to concentration or learn. Making your own baby food will ensure that no allergenic ingredients are hidden.
Making your own baby food ensures that healthy eating habits start early. Feeding your children fresh fruits and vegetables for meals and ‘dessert’ teaches your children good nutritional principles. Skip the ‘custard’ or high-sugar bottled baby food – they don’t need it.
What else can I do?
Preparing little tummies for solid foods and new flavours is important.
Often babies will experience sensitive stomachs, allergies, skin reactions, bloating, diarrhoea and constipation.
Many of these symptoms can be attributed to an imbalance of digestive bacteria.
The balance of good bacteria can be disrupted by sickness, antibiotics and poor nutrition, so it’s important to help your baby’s stomach with a probiotic formula.
Flora Care 4 Kids is a potent probiotic powder that can be mixed into baby food. It offers a spectrum of good bacteria to support digestive health and vitamin and mineral absorption.
Does your little one suffer from skin rashes or dermatitis? Fish oil is a natural anti-inflammatory that will ease skin complaints and inflammation. Omega-3’s from fish oil are also vital for brain development, cognitive function and the normal, healthy neurological development of children. A great feature of fish oil is that you are able to split the capsule, and mix the oil into most cold foods if your youngster in unable to swallow a tablet.
We have a range of fish oils that are suitable for babies, toddlers and children, including:
Further Reading:
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