Kids Nutrition Facts Debunked

As a parent, it's tough to wade through all of the conflicting information that's available on kids nutrition. 

Is juice OK? How much sugar is too much? Is my child doomed if all they want is Goldfish crackers and milk? 

Photo by Providence Doucet on Unsplash

Parents magazine, in partnership with Mott's, put together an adorable infographic with 7 child nutrition myths debunked. Now of course, Mott's is a juice brand that is trying to sell a product, so take the advice with a grain of salt, and if you're not sure, consult with a nutritionist if you have questions about your child's health. However, as a mom myself, and someone who has spent a lot of time researching this type of information on my own, I do believe the items Mott's points out are myths that we are told as parents, and that "everything in moderation" is still a solid philosophy for feeding kids. 

Myth 1: Canned or frozen veggies aren't as healthy as fresh. 

Truth: Canned or frozen vegetables are just as healthy, if not more healthy, than fresh vegetables. If eating vegetables canned or frozen is the easiest way for you to get them into your diet, go for it! 

Myth 2: Kids need to drink cow's milk daily. 

Truth: While cow's milk contains important nutrients like calcium, protein and vitamin D, those can all be found in other foods as well. Cow's milk is not necessary for a healthy diet! (And North America is one of the only places where children and adults drink cow's milk, so clearly it's not a need if so many others go without!)

Myth 3: Kids should clean their plates.

Truth: Letting kids decide when they are full is a healthy way to teach them to listen to their hunger and fullness cues. By forcing them to clean their plates or bribing them with dessert, they are learning to ignore those cues, which leads to overeating. 

Check out the rest of the 7 myths here.