TEN WORST FOODS FOR KIDS YOU MAY NOT BE AWARE OF

The surge in the availability and consumption of convenience foods, also known as "junk food," has contributed to the recent increase in childhood obesity. Many foods designed for and promoted to children are low in nutrition, heavy in sugar, and highly processed. By eating these items on a daily basis, children are depriving themselves of vital nutrients needed for proper growth and function. Make sure your youngster does not consume any of these ten unhealthy foods.

SUGARY DRINKS

Drinks are among the worst things for youngsters. Juices and sports drinks, including colas and fruit punch, are loaded with sugar and empty calories. Some fruit-flavored juices contain more sugar than soda. For youngsters over the age of two, occasionally choose 100% fruit juice.

FRUIT-FLAVORED SNACKS

Because the word "fruit" is used, it's tempting to think these snacks are healthy for kids, but they're often filled with sugar, high fructose corn syrup, artificial colors or preservatives, and are sweetened with fruit juice flavors, containing no actual fruit. They have the potential to adhere to children's teeth and induce dental caries.

HOTDOGS AND SAUSAGES

Nitrites, which have been linked to an increased risk of cancer, are found in highly processed meats such as hot dogs and Vienna sausages. Red and processed meat consumption has also been linked to an increased risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. They're also heavy in sodium and saturated fats, with little nutritional value.

SUGARY BREAKFAST CEREALS

Some children's breakfast cereals are the equivalent of eating cake for breakfast. Even ''whole grain'' cereals might be high in sugar and empty calories, with only a trace of fiber added. Examine the ingredient list thoroughly to ensure that sugar or any other name for sugar, such as high fructose corn syrup, is not listed.

INSTANT NOODLES

Instant noodles, along with their flavorings, can contain more sodium in one serving than is recommended for a child in a whole day. White noodles made from enhanced flour are low in fiber and important nutrients, and they are covered with cancer-causing chemicals to keep their shape and preserve them.

FAST FOOD

Fast food meals frequently feature foods that are only one color: brown. Popular selections include hamburgers, grilled cheese, fries, and mashed potatoes. A kid's lunch of a cheeseburger, small fries, and a small soda can have more than 800 calories, 40 grams of fat (including trans-fat), and 1,000 grams of salt.

LOLIPOPS AND HARD CANDIES

Hard candies and lollipops are mostly sugar with artificial colors and tastes. They are damaging to teeth because they remain in the mouth for extended periods of time, potentially causing caries or cavities. Hard sweets are especially dangerous for kids who have braces, retainers, or fillings since they might cause them to become damaged or displaced.

CAKES IN PACKS

These cakes are not only packed with sugar-sweetened jelly in the center, but they also have icing on top and sometimes sprinkles. Some of the most popular brands include over 50 components. Also, the serving size and nutrition data for these goods are frequently for one pastry rather than the packet of two.

CHICKEN NUGGETS

Chicken nuggets are popular among children and can be found in major fast food restaurants or on the kids' menus of most restaurants. Commercial chicken nuggets, on the other hand, typically contain 20 or more ingredients and are cooked in oils containing additives such as dimethylpolysiloxane, a "antifoaming agent." Healthier chicken nuggets can be created at home by coating chicken breast in egg and whole grain breadcrumbs.