The food Light or light are those that suppose a version with less calories of the same food or drink (at least 30% less of the "original" caloric content). They usually reduce the intake of calories, sugars and fats, but, Are light products suitable for children?
The answer is that these foods Light They are not part of healthy nutrition and although consuming them sporadically does not carry any risk, they should not be abused. In addition, it should be noted that not all light foods have low calories (the "light" version may remain excessive) so if our son or daughter is overweight we must look for other ways to reduce it.
According to our Vitónica colleagues, these foods have pros and cons, and among their risks are:
- Abusing light foods can lead to nutritional imbalances.
- It's not about slimming products.
- Sometimes you eat twice as much as "light" products.
- Sugars are often replaced by sweeteners (they are associated with obesity, tooth decay, cardiovascular problems, diabetes ...).
Also, remember that fats are a fundamental component of the human diet and children need healthy lipids for proper development. On the other hand, it is possible that by reducing the calories in the food, the contents of essential nutrients for the correct development of children, such as vitamins, minerals ...
Therefore, instead of resorting to light products to control the weight of children, it is better for them to have a varied and healthy diet, avoiding industrial pastries, trans fats, sausages, soft drinks and sugary juices ...
The Spanish Association of Pediatrics recommends, to reduce the fat content of food, the next:
- Remove visible fat from meats.
- Eat chicken without skin.
- Reduce the consumption of sausages, always using the leanest.
- Consider recommending the use of semi-skimmed milk after two years.
To increase the quality of dietary fat the practical recommendations are:
- Increase fish consumption 3-4 times a week if it is white, and at least 2 times a week if it is blue.
- Use vegetable oils, especially olive.
- If you consume spreadable fats, choose margarines, since they are rich in polyunsaturated fats and are currently not a source of trans fats or animal fats.
- Use simple culinary forms: boiled, iron and oven. The fried ones, although they contribute to increase the caloric content of the foods, can be used if it is with olive oil with a frying at high temperature and of little time.
On the other hand, it is also possible to reduce the consumption of sugar with healthy habits, as recommended by the WHO, limiting the consumption of foods and beverages with a high content (sugary drinks, soft drinks, sweets, sugary snacks ...) and eating fruits and vegetables Raw replacing industrial snacks.
Finally, but not least, if our children are overweight better than going to food Light is that combine a healthy diet with the usual practice of physical exercise, since this entails innumerable health benefits. And by the way, it's not good for adults to abuse products either Light, so the whole family can apply these tips.
