School going kids are very hard to convince as they’re looking for freedom and self-definition during this phase. But it is very important for parents to keep a check on what they eat. Healthy eating habits help your kid in performing better at school, staying active and energized and also helps in their mental and physical growth.

Following are the foods your kid should avoid:

1. All types of frozen foods:

Frozen foods whether they is vegetables or fruits or meat, there’s no point in eating them as they have preservatives that are very harmful for kids.

2. All types of Packaged (processed) foods –Yes, every type of packaged food has preservatives, artificial flavors and colors and chemicals you really need to avoid.

3. Sugar and Salt –Make your kids eat sugar and salt in a very balanced quantity. Developing healthy habits during school lasts a lifetime. Sweets, candy bars, energy bars, chocolates, packaged crisps etc. are foods to avoid.

4. Junk Food –Anyone with a little sense would avoid junk food just because of its name ‘junk’. They are very high in calories and bad carbohydrates. A routine of junk food would end up making your kid obese.

5. Sodas and Energy Drinks –Sodas tend to make bones weak leading to osteoporosis. While energy drinks have high sugar and calories plus they are not good for the normal working of human body.

6. Microwave Products –Foods like microwave popcorn and pizza etc also come in the must avoid category as they have a very harmful chemical known as PFOA in it that is known to be linked with cancer and other fatal diseases.

7. White Flour Products –Avoid giving them access of baked white flour foods like muffins, brownies and cakes, cookies etc.

8. Ready-made kiddy meals –Chicken nuggets, kiddy meals are all the foods to avoid as they have nothing healthy for kids in it.

9. Fruit Yogurts and Tetra packed milk –Milk and yogurt are essential for kids but not processed yogurt with a lot of sugar and color in it and milk with preservatives and no nutrition. Instead, give them fresh milk and yogurt.

10. Saturated Fats –a must avoid as they are responsible for increasing cholesterol level in blood. Foods like fatty beef, cheese, butter, lamb, and poultry with skin have higher level of saturated fats in them.

Parents should encourage kids to eat a balanced amount of these things. Parents should not restrict kids to eat their favorite foods altogether but introduce a balanced diet. Foods high in calories such as sweets, chocolates and junk should be given in controlled proportions once in a while.