Baked goods
Cupcakes, croissants, cookies and biscuits are treats every kiddo yearns for. Plant-based nutritionist Terri Chrisman tells us why kid-favourite gooey frosted goodies should only be occasional indulgences
The health impact
Commercial baked goods are usually very tasty because of the added sugars and fats. Apart from flavour combinations that are very popular with kids, their bright colours and stunning display at coffee shops and supermarkets make them difficult to avoid.
The bad news is, they are usually high in energy and fat, and if that energy is not burnt off via exercise, or is in excess of daily energy requirements, it can contribute to health issues such as obesity.
Some commercial baked products have high fructose corn syrup, artificial flavours, preservatives and artificial colours that have been associated with health and behavioural issues.
Parents are the gatekeepers of their homes. They have a responsibility to protect their family’s health. The easiest way to help their children is to not buy these sugary items during their weekly shop. A little bit of tough love will go a long way in ensuring your kids grow into healthy adults.
A great way to wean kids off these snacks is via modelling. Children will copy their parents’ eating behaviours. If parents reach for the cookie tin, so will the little ones. At home, cakes and cookies and other baked goods should be occasional treats only.
What to swap it for?
Good lunchbox substitutes for baked goods are fruit, vegetable sticks, homemade energy balls, or hummus and dry crackers or pita. Instead of buying baked goods, parents can make similar, healthier versions at home using lower fat, lower sugar recipes. And by getting the kids involved in the process – kids love to cook and this way parents will be teaching them valuable skills about how the food they eat affects their health – they will be able to teach them how to make healthy choices. Also, always prepare and make available fresh, healthy foods for children to snack on – think chopped veg or fruit.