Kids love snacks, but unfortunately many of the snacks that we give our kids are not healthy. Some of the most popular kid snack options are full of unhealthy ingredients that contribute to obesity. Many times we offer these snacks to our kids out of convenience or because our kids are picky, however, here are some of the main snacks that we should limit or eliminate giving to our children:

1. Lunch combo packs
Lunch combo packs are one of the most unhealthy options for children. While they are supposed to have all essential food groups, they are really just packed with preservatives and unnatural ingredients. These preservatives and artificial flavors can cause long term health issues for our children.

2. Veggie chips
Veggie chips are thought to be healthy snacks for kids, however, they are full of sodium and artificial colors and flavors. While they are made with a small amount of vegetables, it is not nearly enough to make them healthy.

3. Yogurt tubes
Yogurt can be a healthy snack for kids, however the yogurt that you find in tubes is not. This type of yogurt is full of sugar and preservatives. The sugar can cause huge energy spikes in kids and lead to obesity. The preservatives in the food can have negative health side effects for those who already have a disease, like ADD.

4. Juice boxes
Juice boxes are an easy drink option for children when they are on the go. They can easily be packed in a lunch box or brought in the car. While they are easy, they are a very dangerous precedent to set. Juice boxes are okay every once in a while, however, when they are consumed daily, they are likely a main contributor to obesity and diabetes. The high levels of sugar are not good for kids.

5. Granola bars
Granola bars are another snack option that people think are good for children, but are not. Granola bars are often full of unnecessary ingredients, like chocolate chips and more, which contain very high levels of sugars. These granola bars are also full of artificial colors and flavors that can have a negative health impact on children.

6. Energy bars
When children are in need of energy, after a long day or a night of little sleep, many parents may opt to give their kids an energy bar. This however, is not recommended. Children should have enough energy to last all day and should never need to eat an energy bar. Instead, kids should simply take a short nap to feel more rested. Energy bars are full of artificial colors and flavors and also packed with sugar. The sugar gives kids energy, but will then cause a crash later in the day.

7. Apple sauce
Apple sauce is another food that many parents believe is healthy for children but is not. Apple sauce is made with apples, but it is also loaded with sugar. There is enough natural sugar in the apples themselves, however, the companies add extra sugar to the apple sauce, which makes it extremely high in sugar. Instead, parents should try to give their children a piece of real fruit to satisfy their hunger and their sweet tooth. This can create happier and healthier children for all parents who try.