We've linked the sugar debate recently, but what about junk food? Potato chips and the like. They don't have sugar, but they're certainly empty calories. Are Cheetos, Doritos, etc. okay or not?

[ctanis]

I think its fine in moderation. I am sure everyone would agree its not good to be eating this stuff all the time.

[blondie-lox]

We don't ever have anything like this in our house, ever. Mostly because I'm losing weight and can't have the temptation in the house, BUT I don't want my kids eating that stuff. They have had junk food but very very rarely. When they do get it though, its usually my parents who give it to them, lol.

[WineKeepsMeSane]

All things in moderation includes McDonalds, right? RIGHT? I NEED their fries

Ok, seriously, I think some is okay if the kid otherwise eats healthily and is active. I also understand when parents cut junk out completely. For Mackenzie I try to find "snack" foods that are at least free of trans fats, made with whole wheat, etc. even if they still aren't what I would consider healthy meal food. And yes, she unfortunately knows that the McD bag always has fries in it, even when I try to give her apple slices instead... doh!

I think it's more a reflection of MY eating habits when she saw a chip bag when in a store with DH and she pointed to it and said Mama! She reaches for fruit or cheese for her snack more often than not, crazy kid

[mayandsofiasmommy]

Are they healthy? No way. I think some, in small amounts is ok. Although I'd rather not let my girls have them. They also have plenty of trans fat. I never keep chips in the house because I would eat them if we did!

We rarely buy junk food, and when we do we tend to stick to Cheez-its and Wheat Thins. Still, not amazing, but slightly better than the alternatives. I let DS have some when they're in the house. He gets McDonald's too. I don't think a cheeseburger or nuggets every once in a while is a big deal - we generally eat pretty healthy. I mean he also gets mac and cheese sometimes, as a dinner side - he's a picky eater, so at least it gets some calcium in him.

[Lilmom]

Small amounts are ok. We mostly don't keep junk around. I don't want Ivy eating it. DH is the biggest offender. He likes the junk food.

[ctanis]

I have been trying to talk my husband about buying healthier snacks. He gets pop tarts ect.. and I do not like the kids eating them that much.

We don't keep them in the house and very rarely eat them. We're used to snacking on nuts, fruit, homemade granola bars or homemade crackers.

[Emm17]

MOderation, moderation. Avery has never had junky food, but she is only 8 months. I have my 2 year old niece once or twice a week and she gets the occasional treat.

[ctanis]

Originally Posted by insert clever username

We don't keep them in the house and very rarely eat them. We're used to snacking on nuts, fruit, homemade granola bars or homemade crackers.

Home made granola bars sound yummy. Maybe you could give me the recipe and I could try to make them. Jay loves granola bars.

[Tersh]

We eat the healthy chocolate here (Xocai) and try to buy baked chips.

I don't see anything wrong with it as long as it's in moderation. When you eat to excess, no matter what it is, you can have serious and negative health effects. I don't eat alot of chips, mainly because I avoid carbs like the plague, but I will admit that we have goldfish, cheezits and pretzels in our pantry and that Joshua eats them. Honestly, the kid is in the 29th percentile for his age group for weight - I don't really have any issue with what he eats as long as he's EATING. He's always been under 35th percentile for weight, so maybe that's why it's not such a big issue for us... the kid has been picky his entire life, and frankly if someone thinks bad of me because he eats SOME bad food, well... I'm just happy my kid is eating something. We all make our decisions based on our own individual circumstances. If I had an obese child, I would certainly be doing something different. Instead, I have an underweight child (it IS normal for him on his curve though, just to be clear) that is finally eating somewhat normally... and it took junk food to get him to that point. We are very clear on no excess, and that everything must be in moderation, but I won't say no to it completely... not when it's the only thing he will eat somedays. We also have healthy snacks, which he usually will choose over the junk food, but some days... ugh don't get me started. Food battles suck! Anyway. So... eh.

[ctanis]

Andrika my kids love Goldfish. I think I need to buy stock in it lol. If I give them a bowl of them and put on Dora I can actually take a shower without someone getting in trouble lol

[WineKeepsMeSane]

^^goldfish are one of the things that are available in whole wheat now. That eases my guilt about them

[ctanis]

Originally Posted by amegra

^^goldfish are one of the things that are available in whole wheat now. That eases my guilt about them

[chlodoll]

I am a moderation believer here. As a child I was rarely ever allowed junk and I think it contributed to my inability to stop eating it now! If something is in the house I have to have it all!

My son is allergic to dairy so really the only treat he can have is plain chips and some candies.

Home made granola bars sound yummy. Maybe you could give me the recipe and I could try to make them. Jay loves granola bars.

These ones come out nice and soft, like an oatmeal cookie:

1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 cup canola oil
2 eggs
2 cups quick-cooking oats
1-1/2 cups whole wheat flour
1 cup raisins or chopped dried fruit
1 cup chopped nuts and seeds
1-1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease jelly roll pan, 15 1/2 x 10 1/2 x 1 inch. Mix brown sugar, oil, and eggs in large bowl with spoon until smooth. Stir in remaining ingredients. Spread in pan with spatula, patting evenly with hand. Bake just until center is set, but not firm, 17 to 22 minutes. Cool completely, then cut into bars, about 3 x 11/4 inches. Bars can be stored tightly for up to 2 weeks. Or wrap bars tightly in moisture proof wrap and freeze up to 6 months. Makes 40 bars

[frgsonmysox]

We eat chips at lunch with a sandwich, but thats about the extent of junk food in our house most days.

Moderation is a wonderful thing

We don't ban anything from our kids.

If they want a piece of Candy, or a small bag of chips (halloween size) then by all means they can have that, they just can't eat massive amounts.
I eat them, and I don't think it would be right to ban them from them.
I am also looseing weight (67lbs!!!! so far) but I do still indulge in a bag of chips, or a piece (or 3 or 5 I am addicted...) or even McDonalds once a month (sometimes 2 )

To ban them simply makes it more appealing, so I leave it open. They can't have a treat without eating healthy first of course.

We're lucky though. DD#1 hates chocolate, and most other sugery treats (even cake..) and so its usually a small bag of chips. She gets 1 "junk food" snack a day for lunch (half the time it comes home) she preffers Broccoli, asparagus, and carrots. DD#2 eats what DD#1 does, so we're lucky. I often get remarks about how well they eat.