In a recent article, pediatricians reveal the foods they don’t often serve to their own kids. While they emphasize the importance of moderation and variety in a healthy diet, there are certain items they prefer to keep out of their homes. For instance, hard candy is a definite no-no due to its high sugar content and choking hazard. Highly processed packaged foods, energy drinks, fish high in mercury, sugary juice and soda, choking hazards, and unpasteurized dairy are also on their “rarely serve” list. Pediatricians offer these insights to help parents make informed decisions about their children’s nutrition.

Foods That Pediatricians Never (Or Rarely) Serve Their Kids

When it comes to feeding their children, pediatricians are usually well-informed about the impact that different foods can have on their health. While they may not completely restrict all types of foods, there are certain items that pediatricians tend to avoid giving to their kids, or at least limit their consumption. In this article, we will discuss the foods that pediatricians rarely serve their children and the reasons behind their choices.

1. Hard Candy

Hard candy is one of the foods that pediatricians generally avoid giving to their kids. This is primarily because of the high sugar content in hard candy, which can lead to various health issues. The excess sugar in hard candy can contribute to tooth decay and enamel chipping, causing damage to their dental health. Moreover, hard candy poses a choking hazard, especially for young children. For these reasons, pediatricians recommend avoiding or limiting the consumption of hard candy.

2. Highly Processed Packaged Food

Another type of food that pediatricians tend to avoid giving to their children is highly processed packaged food. These foods typically contain high amounts of salt and bad fats, which can negatively impact their health. Instead, pediatricians advocate for choosing real whole food options that are healthier and provide better nutrition. By opting for fresh, unprocessed foods, parents can provide their children with the necessary nutrients for their growth and development.

3. Energy Drinks

Pediatricians are often concerned about the consumption of energy drinks by children. These drinks can be dangerous and have adverse effects, which is why pediatricians advise against giving them to kids. Energy drinks usually contain high doses of caffeine and other potentially harmful substances, which can lead to caffeine overdoses, insomnia, cardiac effects, seizures, and even death. Children, in general, should avoid consuming caffeine, as it is a stimulant drug that can result in dependency. Pediatricians consider energy drinks unsafe and not beneficial for children.

4. Fish High In Mercury

Fish high in mercury, such as mackerel, marlin, swordfish, and tuna, are best avoided by young children and adolescents. Mercury is toxic to the nervous system and can adversely affect the brain. As children and adolescents have developing brains, it is crucial to minimize their exposure to mercury. Pediatricians recommend choosing fish with lower mercury levels to ensure the safety of their children.

5. Sugary Juice And Soda

The high sugar content in sugary juice and soda makes them unhealthy choices for children. These beverages often contain concentrated sugar and may also include high fructose corn syrup. Excessive sugar intake can lead to various health problems, such as obesity, tooth decay, and an increased risk of chronic diseases. Pediatricians encourage the consumption of water and fruits instead, as they provide hydration and essential nutrients without the negative effects of added sugars.

6. Choking Hazards

Pediatricians are well-aware of the choking hazards posed by certain foods for toddlers and young children. Foods such as popcorn, hotdogs, grapes, cherry tomatoes, hard candies, gum, carrots, and chunks of cooked meat should either be cut into small pieces or avoided altogether until children are older. Cutting these foods into small, manageable pieces reduces the risk of choking and ensures the safety of young children during mealtime.

7. Unpasteurized Dairy

Unpasteurized or ‘raw’ dairy products are best avoided due to the risk of gastrointestinal infections and severe diarrhea. The process of pasteurization involves heating the milk to kill harmful bacteria, making it safer for consumption. Pediatricians recommend opting for pasteurized dairy products to minimize the risk of infections and ensure the well-being of their children.

8. High-Fructose Corn Syrup

High-fructose corn syrup is a sweetener often used in processed foods and beverages. However, pediatricians recommend avoiding it in children’s diets due to its negative effects on health. High-fructose corn syrup has been linked to obesity, diabetes, and other chronic diseases. By minimizing the consumption of high-fructose corn syrup, parents can help promote better health outcomes for their children.

9. Artificial Food Coloring

Artificial food coloring is another substance that pediatricians tend to avoid giving to their kids. These additives are often used to enhance the appearance of food, but they have been associated with behavioral issues in children, such as hyperactivity. Pediatricians advise opting for natural food coloring options or choosing foods without artificial additives to support their children’s overall well-being.

10. Fast Food

Pediatricians advocate for limiting the consumption of fast food in children’s diets. Fast food is typically high in calories, unhealthy fats, and sugar, which can contribute to weight gain, obesity, and a host of other health problems. Instead of relying on fast food, pediatricians recommend exploring healthier alternatives and home-cooked meals that provide essential nutrients for their children’s growth and development.

In conclusion, pediatricians prioritize their children’s health and well-being when choosing the foods they serve. By avoiding or limiting the consumption of certain foods such as hard candy, highly processed packaged food, energy drinks, fish high in mercury, sugary juice and soda, choking hazards, unpasteurized dairy, high-fructose corn syrup, artificial food coloring, and fast food, parents can help promote better nutrition and overall health for their children. It is essential to provide a balanced and varied diet that includes real whole foods and encourages healthy eating habits from an early age.