Kids these days lead schedules as packed as adults. Between music lessons, after-school activities, tutoring sessions, and play dates with friends, our lives are bustling and constantly on the move. To keep up with our busy days, I always make sure to have snacks in my purse. However, finding healthy and wholesome options can be challenging. Many snacks marketed for children contain harmful ingredients, including cancer-causing artificial coloring and petroleum-based additives.
5 Petroleum Based Snacks To Avoid
- Pop-Tarts: Introduced in 1964, these toaster pastries have concerning ingredients like corn syrup, high fructose corn syrup, dextrose, and sugar within the top six ingredients. These are all harmful forms of sugar. Additionally, they contain petroleum-derived TBHQ, which is related to butane, as well as partially hydrogenated soybean oil that disrupts cellular function. The artificial colors used in Pop-Tarts can also potentially cause cancer. Consider choosing healthier alternatives instead.
- Fruit Snacks: Although they come in various fruit flavors and appealing shapes, many fruit snacks are predominantly made up of artificial additives and colors. One commonly used food coloring is Red 3, also known as E127 or Erythrosine, which is derived from petroleum. Look for healthier alternatives without such additives.
- M&M’s: These colorful chocolate candies are known for melting in your mouth, not in your hands. However, the artificial colors used in M&M’s can be harmful when consumed. For instance, Blue #2, a petroleum-based product, has been associated with increased hyperactivity in children, brain tumors in lab rats, and abnormal cell development. Blue #1 has been linked to malignant tumors, Red #40 can damage DNA, and Yellow #6 and Yellow #5 are also petroleum-derived colors that can cause allergic reactions, hyperactivity, and potential cancer risks.
- Cheetos: These cheesy snacks with their distinctive orange color contain Yellow 6, which is derived from petroleum and used as an artificial coloring. The “cheese” flavoring in Cheetos, including methyl benzoate and ethyl methylphenidate, is also derived from petroleum.
- Teddy Grahams: Introduced in 1988 and available in five flavors, these tiny bear-shaped snacks may seem appealing for children with small fingers. However, they contain TBHQ, which can be toxic and lead to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, ringing in the ears, delirium, and collapse. Studies have shown that TBHQ can cause stomach cancer in lab rats, fragment DNA, and damage human lung and umbilical cells. In children, it can contribute to anxiety, restlessness, and worsen the symptoms of ADHD.
Fortunately, there are plenty of quick and easy healthy snacks that you can grab on the go. Consider organic fruits, pre-portioned bags of organic carrots and celery, or homemade granola bars made with chia and flax seeds. These bars are filling, nutritious, and freeze well. You can customize them with fruits or nuts according to your preference.
It’s important to prioritize healthier options for your family’s well-being.
Instead of relying on those unhealthy options, here are five alternative snacks:
- Whole Grain Pastries: Instead of Pop-Tarts, try whole grain pastries with natural sweeteners and real fruit fillings. They provide a healthier alternative without harmful ingredients like corn syrup, high fructose corn syrup, and artificial colors.
- Real Fruit Snacks: Look for fruit snacks made from real fruits without artificial additives and colors. Avoid those containing petroleum-based food coloring like Red 3 (Erythrosine).
- Natural Chocolate Treats: Opt for natural chocolate treats without artificial colors. Avoid M&M’s, which contain artificial colors derived from petroleum. These colors, such as Blue #2, Blue #1, Red #40, and Yellow #6, have been associated with hyperactivity, abnormal cell development, DNA damage, and potential cancer risks.
- Wholesome Cheese Snacks: Choose cheese snacks made with natural ingredients instead of Cheetos. The orange color in Cheetos comes from Yellow 6, a petroleum-derived additive. Additionally, avoid snacks with artificial cheese flavorings containing methyl benzoate and ethyl methylphenidate.
- Nutritious Bear-Shaped Crackers: Instead of Teddy Grahams, consider bear-shaped crackers made with wholesome ingredients and free from harmful additives like TBHQ. Teddy Grahams contain TBHQ, which can have toxic effects and lead to various symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, and anxiety.
In addition to these alternatives, there are plenty of quick and easy healthy snacks to grab on the go. Consider organic fruits, pre-portioned bags of organic carrots and celery, or homemade granola bars packed with nutritious ingredients like chia and flax seeds. These bars can be customized with fruits or nuts and provide a filling and nourishing option. They can also be frozen for convenience.
For a recommended option, I suggest trying bars that include 10 different superfoods, each carefully selected for their unique benefits, along with 100% grass-fed bone broth protein. These bars promote healthy bones, muscles, skin, blood vessels, and more. They are grain-free, sugar-free, and soy-free, but packed with superfoods and bone broth protein, making them an ideal choice for a quick and nutritious breakfast.
I highly recommend trying PaleoValley bars and jerky for a delicious and nutritious snack option. Their bars are made with 10 different superfoods, each chosen for its unique benefits, along with 100% grass-fed bone broth protein that supports healthy bones, muscles, skin, and more. These bars are grain-free, sugar-free, and soy-free, making them a great choice for those following a paleo lifestyle. Additionally, their jerky is made from high-quality, grass-fed beef that is free from added hormones and antibiotics. With PaleoValley, you can enjoy snacks that are not only tasty but also support your overall well-being. Don’t miss out on these fantastic options! Visit their website to explore their full range of products and place your order today.
Click here to visit Paleovalley.com and get 15% off their bars and jerky here!
Click here to visit Paleovalley.com and get 15% off their bars and jerky here!
Make healthier choices for your family and prioritize their well-being.
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