Common Food Misconceptions

In talking to parents about what their child eats I have come across a number of common misunderstandings that I wanted to clear up today.

Fruit snacks are not a fruit.
Fruit snacks and roll ups are made with a small amount of fruit juice but otherwise are just sugar.  They have no nutritional value and they also are hard on your child's teeth.  Give your child a piece of fruit instead.

Yoghurt is not a fruit either.
Now, yoghurt is good for you but don't kid yourself that the fruit flavor or fruit at the bottom counts as a serving of fruit.  Again, have a piece of fruit.

Yoghurt does not cure constipation.
There are probiotics in yoghurt that are good for your digestive system but they do not cure constipation.  Constipation is best treated with more fiber in the diet which you get from fruits and veggies.  The brand "Fiber One" makes a yoghurt that has added fiber but you have to buy that specific brand.

Natural and Whole Grain chips and soda are not good for you.
Advertisers have realized that we are becoming more conscious about our diet and so are relabeling junk foods to make them sound more healthy for you.  Don't fall for it!  Junk food is junk food.

Juice is not good for you.
Again the advertisers have worked hard to make juice sound good for you.  It isn't.  Many juices have just as much sugar as soda.  Even if you squeeze the juice yourself you are missing out on the fiber and nutrients that you would get if you eat the fruit.  We recommend that you eat the fruit or veggie and then have water to drink.