For this week, Evie talks about how and what to feed your kids in order to provide them the gift of health and optimal wellness.

The average American kid consumes upwards of 300 grams of sugar a day versus what’s recommended which is just 25 grams daily. Some of these foods were included on the average lunch of an American kid.

Here are some of them, and compare it to the recommended daily sugar intake for your kids:

1. YOGURT – A standard popular brand of yogurt contains 33 grams of sugar

2. GRANOLA BAR – Usually has 26 grams of sugar

3. JUICE – 20-30 grams per serving

4. KETCHUP – 5 grams per tablespoon (normal consumption per meal is four to six tablespoons)

Combining all of them or simply just two out of those food examples will already be almost twice of the recommended sugar intake for kids, not to mention that there are still other foods such as condiments, dipping sauces and other foods that we give our children, disguised as something that’s healthy for them.

Evie also pointed out the use of dyes in most foods are banned in most countries but being allowed by food manufacturers in the US. FDNC Red #40 for an instance, is highly correlated with hyperactivity (or ADHD), allergies, skin issues, and losing the capability to sit still.

Make a habit to check all the foods you’re purchasing for any amounts of dye present on them.

If you’re struggling to feed your child healthier options, She also gives us a few things to help your kids be more empowered on their food selection:

1. The most important thing that you can do is empowering your kid with some choices.
Give them some options and your only responsibility is to make sure that all of the options are healthy.

2. Create different shelves in your home’s pantry. 
The lowest shelf should contain food that your kid can choose from freely, foods that don’t have added sugar, dyes, and oil. Next shelf up will be foods that they can consume but in limited quantities only. The highest shelf should contain foods that are meant for special occasions.

3. Make their foods as colorful as possible.
Kids love to look at their plate of really bright, colorful food just like adults. A lot of different flavors and textures. Whether we like it or not, how we present the food to our kids matters.

4. Stop making food a big deal. 
Parents have all the controls on how food is going to be presented to their kids, either in a favorable way or negatively. Stop talking about treats after eating something they don’t like.

Kids aren’t going to live with their parents forever. The greatest gift that parents can provide to their kids is the education and tools to have a healthy relationship with food.

ONE TRUTH: Most parents were dedicated to making sure they either breastfed or use the best formula imaginable but won’t continue advocating for their children as they grow In age with healthier options.