The dangers of processed foods for our children.

Today’s world is so busy and rushed we look for convenience and simplicity when it comes to the next meal for our families. Lifestyles are so different then they were 20 years ago. Along with such convenience and simplicity come processed foods to satisfy the appetite. Drive-thru fast food restaurants can be found at almost every corner serving foods fried in trans and saturated fats and serving strange meat products. The freezer section at the grocery store is sometime larger than the fresh produce department. Although the snack aisle has some chips made with trans fat free products, the popular fattening and tasty chips are most popular and cheaper. Anything you can think of eating may come in a can, box, or jar these days. With this diet, our society is consuming an astonishing amount of unhealthy meals without a thought of the dangers of processed foods.

Health conscious parents are often surprised to find out how often they are putting chemically engineered foods into their families diet. Even if you know enough to avoid fast foods and sugary sweets, parents could be unwittingly purchasing groceries that are processed and can affect your families health. Most foods that are packaged, canned, frozen or altered from its original form can be considered processed. Parents need to be aware and read labels on foods that can be harmful to their family.

Looking back to the days of my grandparents, food was bought fresh from the grocery store. Potatoes didn’t come in a box in the old days. Mashed potatoes were actually peeled, washed, cut up, and boiled until ready to add the fresh whole milk and butter. Yes, that was butter—not the imitation spread in a tub labeled with a promise of unsaturated fat. Well butter and imitation butter that will be a great topic for another blog. I challenge you this Thanksgiving to not make boxed potatoes, a great thing to do with you children is make homemade mashed potatoes. I know with my 3 children they LOVE when we make a meal together. What better way then on a holiday to enjoy this time shared in preparing a meal.

Our taste buds have been trained to crave foods which are sweet, salty, spicy, and probably unhealthy. With cancer and heart disease all around us, researchers are now studying the dangers of processed foods which are more of a staple in our home than a loaf of bread or carton of milk. I personally know it can be difficult to always cook a meal that is fresh and not processed. I also have a very busy life raising 3 children, 2 with Juvenile Diabetes. For me to always cook healthy is something I strive to do. It is not easy planning meals in advance and trying to find organic fruits and vegetables. We as parents need to make it our priority to feed our family healthy foods to avoid long term health issues.

So I challenge you, with Thanksgiving approaching make a non processed dinner. Enjoy your Turkey with homemade mashed potatoes, organic green beans and homemade cranberries. When it comes to dessert your children will love to make a pie with you from scratch. What better way to feed your family healthy while making wonderful memories at the same time.
                                                Have a blessed holiday ~~~ Kelly Jeffrey