children and chips

Question
My children, ages 6 and 10, love potato chips. Any suggestions for quick, easy alternatives, and are the potato chips made with olestra really safe for children?


Answer
Hello Amy!


    Thank you for your nutrition question.  I don't really recommend olestra for children because it may cause abdominal cramping and loose stools. Olestra also inhibits the absorption of some vitamins and other nutrients. Children need all the nutrients they can get because they are developing.
   
   Here are some simple Healthy Snack Ideas instead of potato chips.

Raw vegetables, such as celery, carrots, cauliflower, broccoli, green pepper, green beans, cucumbers, mushrooms or zucchini may be served with a lowfat dip.
Fresh fruit in season, cut in slices or halves, such as apples, oranges, bananas, peaches, grapefruit, grapes, melons, pears, plums or strawberries.
Lowfat quick breads and muffins, such as pumpkin, zucchini, banana or bran.
Non-sugared cereals, snack mixes made with popcorn and whole grain cereal.
Lowfat yogurt with fresh, frozen or canned fruit.
Shakes with lowfat milk or yogurt and fruit.
Unsweetened fruit juices.
Pyramid Tortilla Recipe

Here is an easy to do snack. For each person you will need:

1 8-inch tortilla
2 ounces thin sliced turkey or ham
2 Tablespoons shredded cheese
1/4 cup shredded lettuce
1 Tablespoon raisins
Lowfat mayonnaise, cream cheese, or margarine

Give each person a tortilla. Have them spread with mayonnaise, margarine or cream cheese. Then layer on the meat, cheese, lettuce and raisins. Roll up and enjoy.

This snack could also be made using a slice of bread or an English muffin.

For more answers to your nutrition questions check out "Ask the Nutritionists" by George Rapitis at www.authorhouse.com or your favorite bookstore.

-George Rapitis, Bsc. Nutritionist
www.juiceblend.com  

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