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Adult Alternatives to Kid-friendly Foods

By Barbara Ruhs, MS, RD

For busy moms, energy isn't always a renewable resource. And while it can be very difficult to find a free moment to catch some Z's, it's sometimes far too easy to find some not-so-healthy treats to nibble on. Unfortunately, eating the kid-friendly foods in your kitchen can be dangerous for your waistline. The key is to stock the pantry with healthy alternatives.

When heading to the grocery store, there are a few things you can keep in mind. First, look for products with less than ten percent of total calories from added sugar. Beware if one of the first couple of ingredients is glucose, fructose, honey, or sugar, as this indicates sugar is a primary component of the product. Try to increase your intake of dietary fiber and whole grains. The nutrition facts should state that the item has at least two grams of fiber. The word "whole" will be listed in the ingredients if in fact it is a whole grain. Avoid trans fats, which are listed as hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils on the ingredient label.

Here are some common child-friendly treats, followed by our favorite energy packed adult-friendly replacement options.

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