WHITE FOODS

When asked, "What's the one unhealthy food that I shouldn't eat?", the doctor replied, "Anything white that is not a fruit or a vegetable. It's a sign that the food has been processed down to a very simple carbohydrate that probably doesn't have many nutrients." White bread is a perfect example. Start your little ones out early on other breads beside white. Now we even have white whole wheat which is acceptable. It is made with white wheat rather than the red which most flour comes from. Have you ever noticed the word Bleached on your bag of all-purpose flour?

Photo from Target

KIDS AND WHOLE-GRAIN BREADS

If you would like to get your kids to eat more whole-grain breads but they don't like them, here are a couple of suggestions.

• Buy Whole-Grain White Bread.  This bread is made from white wheat instead of red but it is still a whole grain.
• Do the squeeze test.  Pinch the various options of whole-grain breads and pick the one that is the softest since kids prefer soft breads.

It is important to get your children away from refined grains as early as possible for their long-term health. Remember this, your children will choose from what you give them. Given the choice between a slice of fluffy white bread and a whole=grain one, they will most likely choose the plain white one. Start them early on the whole-grain breads.

Note: These pictures are not an endorsement of these brands.