מסוכריות גומי ועד נקניקיות: סוגי המזון שדיאטניות ממליצות להעיף מהבית

Four types of food that dietitians recommend removing from the home are detailed in a recent article. These include gummy candies, sweetened beverages, sweetened breakfast cereals, and processed meats like sausages and cold cuts.

Karin Leibovitz, a clinical dietitian specializing in weight loss for women and girls, likens gummy candies to giving children cigarettes. She notes that beyond sugar, they contain artificial food colorings, such as Brilliant Blue, which can worsen hyperactivity symptoms in children with ADHD. She suggests opting for products with natural colorings if such treats are consumed.

Limor Tal Poni, chief dietitian at Maccabi Health Services, emphasizes that eliminating sweetened beverages is a crucial first step in improving children's diets. She cites recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Heart Association, which advise avoiding added sugar for toddlers and limiting it to 25 grams daily for older children. Poni highlights that these drinks are a primary source of excess sugar and replacing them with water promotes healthy taste preferences and prevents long-term harmful consumption patterns.

Shir El-Alfi-Zagar, a dietitian at Clalit, explains that sweetened breakfast cereals act like readily available sugar, causing sharp spikes and subsequent drops in blood sugar levels, leading to immediate hunger. She points out that such fluctuations are linked to an increased risk of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. As these cereals are low in fiber and not very satiating, she recommends combining them in moderation with protein-rich yogurt and nuts or almonds to balance the glycemic response and prolong satiety.

Dr. Olga Raz, a clinical dietitian, describes processed meats like sausages and cold cuts as ultra-processed foods containing numerous additives and chemicals. She states they undergo extensive processing and are high in saturated fat (up to 40% in cold cuts and 20% in sausages) and sodium. Excessive sodium intake can lead to various health problems, including increased risk of cancer, heart disease, obesity, and fatty liver. Dr. Raz advises against keeping these items at home for general health and weight maintenance, especially for individuals with diabetes or hypertension. She suggests that if one desires a treat, it's better to purchase a small, high-quality chocolate or a slice of cake from a café to control portion sizes.