Why is it that the foods that taste the best are not the best for you? You know those foods you love to eat but don’t (or try not to) because they’re loaded with calories and fat? Pizza, hamburgers, and french fries are convenient and tasty but continue to contribute to increasing waistlines and chronic medical conditions. The incidences of childhood obesity and diabetes in children are increasing at alarming rates. For these reasons we must be proactive in our approach. Eating habits are formed at an early age which makes it so important to instill healthy habits early on.
I was first introduced to McCain Foods during BlogHer. They had a little booth set up and I recorded a little video with them about my blog. They sponsored one of the afternoon breaks and I was hooked after my first sweet potato stix. McCain Foods a privately-owned, multinational leader in the frozen food industry. Their mission is to create healthier food options, particularly for children. The company has committed to the Alliance for a Healthier Generation and their competitive food guidelines. The goal of the Alliance is to reverse childhood obesity through nutrition, education and physical activity.
I struggle tremendously with getting my son to eat veggies. I’ve tried disguising them and hiding them and frankly he’s too smart. Profuse thanks to McCain Foods for allowing ALL of us to try the McCain Smiles and McCain Sweet Potato Stix. I have to diverge a second to let you know that McCain’s sample was surprisingly generous and I was able to share with my parents and my good friend’s immediate family. All of us agree that both products were tasty and a tad bit addicting. “No One Can Eat Just One” should be their tagline.
McCain Smiles are potatoes (just like a french fry) in the shape of a happy face. Apart from the fact that they contain 0 g of trans fat and 180 mg of sodium per serving, they taste like a typical french fry. Kids will love their great taste and fun shape (my son did!). McCain Sweet Potato Stix are also tasty and healthy. They provide 100 percent of the daily requirement for Vitamin A, contain less than 200 g of sodium per serving, and are a great source of vitamin C and fiber. Again, we all found these to be full of flavor.
As a parent, it is vital that you become an active participant in your child’s school. If your school provides meals for your child, consider the following suggestions provided by McCain Foods:
Start Talking and Asking Questions: Discuss healthier food options with parents and administrators. Ask about the nutritional profile of the foods consumed by your children.
Drop In and Look Around: Take a tour of your child’s cafeteria including preparation techniques.
Attend a School Wellness Committee Meeting
Keep Your Child Involved: Ask what your child would like to see changed on his/her school menu.
Do What You Do Best: Write, blog or communicate with others about the importance of healthier choices for kids.
Are you a blogger? Join the McCain Foods Mom Squad to influence and bring about healthier options to schools.
For more information, check out McCain Kids, Meal Makeover Moms’ Club, and the Alliance for a Healthier Generation.
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