Junk Food Bans Help Schoolkids Avoid Unhealthy Snacks: Study

But most elementary schools are in districts or states that don't limit sales of fat, sugar, salt to students

By Robert Preidt

HealthDay Reporter

MONDAY, June 10 (HealthDay News) -- Elementary schools are less likely to sell unhealthy snack foods and drinks if school districts or states have rules that limit the sale of such products, a new study finds.

However, more than three-quarters of public elementary schools in the United States are located in a state or school district that does not limit the sale of items such as sugary drinks, salty snacks, candy or high-fat milk, according to the research published June 10 in the journal JAMA Pediatrics.

For the study, researchers examined the types of foods and drinks offered by schools nationwide between 2008-2009 and 2010-2011. Candy, ice cream, cookies and other sweets were sold by about 32 percent of schools in areas where both school district or state policies limited the sugar content of snack foods, compared with 43 percent of schools where there were no such policies.

Ice cream was sold by just over 10 percent of schools in areas where the state and school district limited the fat content of snack foods, compared with about 21 percent of schools where there was no such policy. Cookies, cakes and other high-fat baked goods were sold by nearly 12 percent of schools in areas with such a policy and by about 25 percent of schools in areas with no such policy, the investigators found.

In the case of sugary drinks, school district policies had more impact than state laws: Sugar-sweetened beverages were sold by close to 4 percent of schools when school districts banned them, compared with 13 percent of schools when there was no school district ban.

However, the sale of sugary beverages by schools was not affected by state bans -- especially in the South -- where sugary drinks were sold by one-quarter of schools in states that banned the sale of the drinks in schools.

The study was funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation through its national research program, Bridging the Gap.

"We found that states and districts can influence the types of snacks and drinks sold at school," study lead author Jamie Chriqui, an investigator at Bridging the Gap, said in a foundation news release. "These policies can go a long way in helping kids have healthy choices during the school day, but more states and districts need to get strong policies on the books to have a meaningful impact nationally."

However, Chriqui and colleagues found that many states and school districts do not have specific nutritional rules for school snacks and drinks. Among U.S. elementary schools:

78 percent were in a district and state that did not limit the sodium (salt) content of snacks or ban high-fat milk.77 percent were in a district and state that allowed the sale of candy.75 percent were in a district and state that did not prohibit the sale of sports drinks, sodas and sugar-sweetened fruit drinks. 58 percent were in a district and state that did not limit the sugar content of snacks.

"Too many of our nation's schools are still selling junk foods and sugary drinks to young children," Chriqui said.

"But the good news is that this is the first generation of children to be enrolled in school at a time when educators and policymakers are focused on preventing childhood obesity -- that's why it's so critical to enact or change policies that make schools healthier places for students," she added in the news release.

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3 Million Lbs of Frozen Pizza, Other Snacks Recalled

Possible E. coli contamination has prompted Rich Products Corp. of Buffalo to expand a recall to include about 3 million pounds of frozen pizza, mozzarella bites, Philly cheese steaks and other snack products.

The recall involves all products made at the company's plant in Waycross, Ga. The products have best buy dates from Jan. 1, 2013 through Sept. 29, 2014, NBCNews.com reported.

The foods may be contaminated with E. coli O121, a strain that can be just as dangerous as the better-known E. coli O157:H7, which is frequently involved in outbreaks caused by hamburger.

This latest recall expands on a March 28 recall of about 196,000 pounds of Farm Rich brand frozen chicken quesadillas and other frozen mini meals and snack items that may have been contaminated with E. coli O121, NBCNews.com reported.

So far, 24 people in 15 states have become ill after eating those products, including 7 who have been hospitalized, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

View the original article here

3 Million Lbs of Frozen Pizza, Other Snacks Recalled

Possible E. coli contamination has prompted Rich Products Corp. of Buffalo to expand a recall to include about 3 million pounds of frozen pizza, mozzarella bites, Philly cheese steaks and other snack products.

The recall involves all products made at the company's plant in Waycross, Ga. The products have best buy dates from Jan. 1, 2013 through Sept. 29, 2014, NBCNews.com reported.

The foods may be contaminated with E. coli O121, a strain that can be just as dangerous as the better-known E. coli O157:H7, which is frequently involved in outbreaks caused by hamburger.

This latest recall expands on a March 28 recall of about 196,000 pounds of Farm Rich brand frozen chicken quesadillas and other frozen mini meals and snack items that may have been contaminated with E. coli O121, NBCNews.com reported.

So far, 24 people in 15 states have become ill after eating those products, including 7 who have been hospitalized, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

View the original article here

Bulimia recovery snacks

Hello, this is my first time posting here...

I am bulimic, correctly trying to recover,I have problems with following my meal plan (3 meals and 2-3 snacks, about 3 hours apart) since snacks seem to trigger binges for me... I try to not purge, but it seems to happen anyway (I simply can't keep things down if I eat too much in one setting).

I tried to not snack at all, and it works well some days, but others I end up starving and binge after dinner...

Can anyone here provide any advice on what to do?

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Katy Perry Talks Fave Snacks, Hot Body Secrets and How She Unwinds

Katy Perry is no stranger to the spotlight, having hit the Hollywood scene almost five years ago now. Perry, who walked the orange carpet (and won Best Female Singer!) at the Kids' Choice Awards this past weekend, wowed onlookers with her midriff-revealing, two-piece ensemble from Herve Leger -- and her enviable figure. Fortunately for us, we not only have her all-over toning move in our back pocket, but a few more of her hot body secrets to share now, too.

The songstress is often on tour -- or traversing the globe for events -- and spends many late nights working. When she returns to her hotel room, girl can be hungry. (And who could blame her?) Her fave midnight snack? PopChips. Not only did Perry recently become a spokeswoman for the brand (whose addictive chips have half the fat of regular ones), but she also just launched her own Kettle Corn flavor, which, if we do say so ourselves, is delicious.

But we know the "Part of Me" singer has more tricks up her sleeve when it comes to looking good for regular press appearances beyond skipping french fries for PopChips. Perry told us that even when she doesn't have the energy, she "knows that working out will give me the energy I need, which motivates me." (Need to amp up your energy levels? Eat these foods.) And if all else fails? "I'll have a double-espresso shot to get me going," Perry added.

So when she needs to look her best (like she did this weekend), Perry cuts out as much bread, sugar and pasta, and opts for water with lemon instead of drinking sugary sodas or juices. Add in regular workouts 3 or 4 times per week, supplementing with fun extras like hiking or spinning at SoulCycle, and you've got the recipe for Perry's sleek physique.

And when it's all said and done, Perry likes nothing more than to relax alone with her cats, or visit one of her fave spas (right now she's a big fan of Ole Henriksen and Kate Somerville) for a facial. She also practices transcendental meditation. We're digging your super-chill vibe, Katy!

RELATED LINKS:

Image Credit: Getty Images

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Healthy Snacks

I'm going to try to eat healthier starting with my snacks. I plan to start eating raisins but I'm not really sure what else there is. Any granola bars or things of the sort that can just be opened and eaten would be wonderful. However, I can not stand yogurt. I'm giving it another try tomorrow but all the attempts in the past didn't go well. I am clueless as to what healthy snacks are out there.

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Drink& snacks ideas?

Hey!

I'm looking to replace some of the water I drink with caloric drinks because hey, any chance to easily sneak some calories is in is awesome! Right now I drink one of those Silk Soy Milk Very Vanilla flavored boxes, the shelf stable ones you buy that are single serve with a straw. I love them! They're delicious and fun to drink. I'd like to add more things like that. Im not talking about the Ensure/fortisip kind of drink, something more along the lines of the milks. I am dairy free so I can't have regular milk. Any ideas? Also, I reallllly don't like nut butters, and I know how recommended they are for a calorie dense snack. I've tried to make myself like them but I just don't. Other than nut butters or ensure type drinks, does anyone have some ideas for calorie dense snacks? I feel like I eat constantly, I love my food, but I need more calories and there's just not that many hours in the day to eat haha.

Thanks! Love these forums :) Abby

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Healthy Snacks for Kids: Recipes, School Snacks, and More

Your kids are going to snack. Here's how to make it healthier.

Kids are snacking more than ever, and as a parent, you've got the power to make those snacks helpful.

Yes, they're getting extra calories from snacks. And yes, snacks are often too sugary.

Still, some snacking can be good for children -- within limits.

“Kids, especially younger ones, have erratic eating habits, and healthy snacks can fill in nutrition gaps,” says Maryann Jacobsen, RD.

Snacking can help kids keep their energy up, make up for skimpy or skipped breakfasts, and provide fuel before after-school sports or other activities.

Think of snacks as mini meals.

Most of the time, feed your child the same types of foods you would at breakfast, lunch, and dinner, including low-fat dairy and other lean protein sources, such as eggs, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.

Good snacks provide carbohydrates, protein, fiber, and some healthy fat. Generally speaking, foods rich in protein or fiber help kids stay fuller for longer, and they’re packed with the nutrients kids need to thrive.  

There’s debate about how many calories a child’s snack should provide, but it makes sense to aim for about 100 calories for smaller children, to upwards of 300 calories for active teenagers. Let your child’s hunger rule what he or she eats.

Making your own snacks to have at home or take with you is usually your best, most budget-friendly choice. Try these:

A small amount of guacamole or low-fat bean dip, and baked snack chips or toasted whole wheat pita bread, broken into chipsLow-fat microwave popcorn tossed with Parmesan cheeseTrail mix ingredients: 1/4 cup each: whole-grain cereal, raisins or dried cranberries, and 2 tablespoons each: sunflower seeds or chopped nutsLow-fat ice cream or frozen yogurt topped with fresh fruitSnack size (8 ounce) box of low-fat plain or chocolate milk and whole wheat pretzelsWhole-grain crackers, string cheese, and mango slicesCooked or raw vegetables with low-fat ranch dressing, and a hard-boiled eggInstant oatmeal made with milk in the microwave with 1 teaspoon cocoa powder stirred in and topped with sliced raspberries or strawberriesWhole-wheat pretzels with peanut butter, almond butter, or sunflower seed butterCherry chocolate smoothie: Combine 1 cup low-fat milk, 1/2 cup vanilla low-fat yogurt, 1/2 cup frozen or fresh pitted cherries, and 2 tablespoons dark chocolate chips in a blender or food processor and mix until smoothBowl of whole-grain cereal and low-fat milkEdamameSmall container of low-fat Greek yogurtMini bagel spread with low-fat cream cheese and strawberry jam, and low-fat milkHummus and whole wheat pita chipsHalf a sandwich and glass of orange juice fortified with calcium and vitamin DSlice of pizzaHard-boiled egg and whole-grain rollPistachios in the shell and glass of chocolate milk

What if other people offer your child less-than-nutritious foods?

“Teach kids to honor their hunger, and that they don’t always have to eat what’s offered to them," says Jacobsen, who's a mother of two.

Also, be a snack role model. What do your kids see you snacking on? As kids get older, they generally follow your lead, so choose your own snacks wisely.

View the original article here

Healthy Snacks Help Kids Fight Obesity

Snacks of Veggies and Cheese Leave Kids Feeling Fuller Faster

Dec. 17, 2012 -- Healthy snacks including veggies and cheese can help take the edge off of kids’ between-meal hunger pangs, and may help put a dent in rates of childhood obesity.

In a new study, children who were given cheese and vegetables as a snack ate 72% fewer calories than children who snacked on potato chips, and this effect was even more pronounced among kids who were overweight or obese.

What’s more, these kids needed fewer calories to feel full than those who ate chips.

The study included about 200 kids entering third or sixth grades. They were given chips, cheese, veggies, or a combination of veggies and cheese, and allowed to snack freely while watching a 45-minute TV show.

While children offered the veggies-only option took in the fewest calories, those offered the combo snack or only cheese took in about the same number of calories. But either option meant far fewer calories than those who were served potato chips, suggesting that replacing potato chips even with cheese alone may also be an option.

“Eliminating snacking altogether is impractical, and in some cases can backfire,” the researchers write. But replacing unhealthy snacks with more nutritious choices such as cheese and veggies may result in less backlash.

The study appears in the journal Pediatrics.

The good news is that children will accept healthier snacks, says Erin Corrigan, RD. She is a clinical nutrition manager at Miami Children's Hospital in Florida. “Snacks are an important part of a child's diet if you provide nutrient-dense foods,” she says.

Yes, cheese can be high in calories, but it is also high in protein and calcium, she says. “Fruits and vegetables have more fiber, which helps people feel full quicker and longer, and when combined with protein it’s the perfect combination for a well-balanced snack.”

Choices are good and give kids a sense of control, she says. “They should be equally healthy.”

Connie Diekman, RD, says the new findings make sense. She is the director of university nutrition at Washington University in St. Louis. “Protein and carbohydrate help elevate blood sugar while sustaining the elevation of the blood sugar, thus aiding [fullness], versus potato chips alone,” she says. In addition, the fiber in the vegetables likely added to the feeling of fullness.

So what are some solid snacking choices for kids? Diekman suggests:

Cheese and fruitCheese and whole-grain crackersYogurt and granolaHummus and veggiesPeanut, sunflower, or almond nut butter with fruit or whole-grain crackers

View the original article here

Healthy Snacks Help Kids Fight Obesity

Snacks of Veggies and Cheese Leave Kids Feeling Fuller Faster
WebMD Health News Reviewed byBrunilda Nazario, MD

Dec. 17, 2012 -- Healthy snacks including veggies and cheese can help take the edge off of kids’ between-meal hunger pangs, and may help put a dent in rates of childhood obesity.

In a new study, children who were given cheese and vegetables as a snack ate 72% fewer calories than children who snacked on potato chips, and this effect was even more pronounced among kids who were overweight or obese.

What’s more, these kids needed fewer calories to feel full than those who ate chips.

The study included about 200 kids entering third or sixth grades. They were given chips, cheese, veggies, or a combination of veggies and cheese, and allowed to snack freely while watching a 45-minute TV show.

While children offered the veggies-only option took in the fewest calories, those offered the combo snack or only cheese took in about the same number of calories. But either option meant far fewer calories than those who were served potato chips, suggesting that replacing potato chips even with cheese alone may also be an option.

“Eliminating snacking altogether is impractical, and in some cases can backfire,” the researchers write. But replacing unhealthy snacks with more nutritious choices such as cheese and veggies may result in less backlash.

The study appears in the journal Pediatrics.

Slideshow: How to Get Kids to Eat More Veggies

The Kids Are All Right

The good news is that children will accept healthier snacks, says Erin Corrigan, RD. She is a clinical nutrition manager at Miami Children's Hospital in Florida. “Snacks are an important part of a child's diet if you provide nutrient-dense foods,” she says.

Yes, cheese can be high in calories, but it is also high in protein and calcium, she says. “Fruits and vegetables have more fiber, which helps people feel full quicker and longer, and when combined with protein it’s the perfect combination for a well-balanced snack.”

Choices are good and give kids a sense of control, she says. “They should be equally healthy.”

Connie Diekman, RD, says the new findings make sense. She is the director of university nutrition at Washington University in St. Louis. “Protein and carbohydrate help elevate blood sugar while sustaining the elevation of the blood sugar, thus aiding [fullness], versus potato chips alone,” she says. In addition, the fiber in the vegetables likely added to the feeling of fullness.

So what are some solid snacking choices for kids? Diekman suggests:

Cheese and fruit Cheese and whole-grain crackers Yogurt and granola Hummus and veggies Peanut, sunflower, or almond nut butter with fruit or whole-grain crackers

 

View Article Sources

SOURCES:

Connie Diekman, RD, director of university nutrition, Washington University, St. Louis.

Wansink, B. Pediatrics, 2012, study received ahead of print.

Erin Corrigan, RD, clinical nutrition manager, Miami Children's Hospital.

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Snikiddy Snacks – Review [Video]

The people over at Snikiddy contacted me and asked if I would try their product.  I am sometimes leery of “healthy” snacks that are not actually healthy at all.  After looking at their website, I decided these snacks could be a healthy alternative and decided to try a few samples.

After the samples arrived, I knew exactly WHO I needed to get to try these for an honest opinion.  KIDS!  Kids will tell it like it is…no holds barred.  So, I asked my sisters three kids to come over and try the snacks and give their opinion.  Watch this video to see what they thought!

Obviously, they LOVED them.  It was so funny after the taping ended because Hannah said, “I really wanted to NOT like one.  On those shows on TV like Cupcake Wars, they always DON’T like one.  I was hoping there was one I didn’t like so it could be more like TV!”  Hilarious!

Now, for all the fun nutritional facts.  We will start with Hannah’s favorite, Eat Your Vegetables™:

Tastes Like a Dorito…but healthy!

Made with a blend of sweet potatoes, carrots, and navy beans.Excellent source of Vitamin A and more fiber and protein than most other snack products.Gluten and wheat freeFree of trans fats, high fructose corn syrup, hydrogenated oils and preservatives.4 Weight Watchers points plus per serving.Available in these flavors: Sea Salt, Sour Cream & Onion, Jalapeño Ranch.Next, we will talk about Haleigh’s favorite, the All-Natural Baked Fries: Yumm-O Fries!

Made with real potatoes, corn, and cheese.Contain 50% less fat than regular potato chipsGluten and wheat free.Free of artificial colors or preservatives, high fructose corn syrup, trans fats, hydrogenated oils, or cholesterol.Baked in a nut-free facility.3 Weight Watchers points plus per serving.Available in these flavors: Sea Salt, Cheddar Cheese, Original Seasoning, Bold Buffalo, Southwest Cheddar, Barbeque and Classic Ketchup.Now on to Hampton’s favorite, the All-Natural Cheese Puffs:Baked with real cheese and corn.Contain 50% less fat than potato chips.They are gluten and wheat free, without the drawbacks of other puff snacks.No artificial colors or preservatives, high fructose corn syrup, trans fats, hydrogenated oils, or cholesterol.3 Weight Watchers points plus per serving (One serving is 1/4 of a bag so it’s a big serving!)Available in these flavors: Grilled Cheese Puffs and Mac n’ Cheese Puffs

My husband and I both LOVED these snacks too!  His favorite was the cheese puffs followed by the fries.  I loved them all and couldn’t decide which I liked the best.  I am excited to try the Bold Buffalo fries.  Those sound like they would be right up our alley!

Would you like to purchase them in your area?  They are available in select stores around the country.  If you go to their website, you can put in your zip-code and it will tell you what locations are in your area.  I found out that these are sold not too far from where I live.  You better believe I will be heading out to stock up on these and all their yummy flavors.

Instead of buying them, do you want to try and WIN some samples for free?  Stay tuned for a giveaway soon where YOU could win some to try.

Until then, head on out and buy them because they are yummy!  Have you heard of these before?  I recently saw them in World Market store near my house.  What is your favorite healthy snack that tastes yummy?

My name is Jennifer, I’m 35 and I currently live in a suburb outside of Atlanta. I live with my husband, Jason and Shi-tzu, Maggie. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends.
My full time job is teaching elementary school. My part time job is private tutoring after school for grades K-6. I have been on my weight loss journey my entire life but just began to take it seriously two years ago when I decided it was time to start a family. I didn’t want to be one of those people who others look and and say, “Is she pregnant or just really fat?” At the rate I was going, that question would certainly be asked. So, two years ago I joined Weight Watchers. Now, closing in on losing 100 pounds, my life is healthier and I am happier. Now…bring on the baby!
My blog is here for you to be inspired, learn something new, and hear all about all new products I try. Join me on this weight loss journey as I go through ups and downs, good and bad, and continue to take it one day at a time!

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Snikiddy Snacks – Giveaway [Closed - Winner Announced]

Thursday, I told you how much I LOVED these baked snacks.

You saw how much the kids LOVED these snacks.

Now, you too, have a chance to enjoy these yummy snacks for free!

Here is how to enter:

I have decided to use Rafflecopter for this giveaway.  I have heard lots of great things about them so we are going to give it a try!  It only takes about 3 minutes to sign up!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

CONGRATULATIONS April B!  Enjoy your yummy goodies from Snikiddy!

Snikiddy gave me the opportunity to give these snacks to you.  No money was given in exchange for my review or giveaway.  All opinions expressed are my own.

My name is Jennifer, I’m 35 and I currently live in a suburb outside of Atlanta. I live with my husband, Jason and Shi-tzu, Maggie. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends.
My full time job is teaching elementary school. My part time job is private tutoring after school for grades K-6. I have been on my weight loss journey my entire life but just began to take it seriously two years ago when I decided it was time to start a family. I didn’t want to be one of those people who others look and and say, “Is she pregnant or just really fat?” At the rate I was going, that question would certainly be asked. So, two years ago I joined Weight Watchers. Now, closing in on losing 100 pounds, my life is healthier and I am happier. Now…bring on the baby!
My blog is here for you to be inspired, learn something new, and hear all about all new products I try. Join me on this weight loss journey as I go through ups and downs, good and bad, and continue to take it one day at a time!

View the original article here