If you are looking for an alternative to soda for your family, it can be tempting to reach straight for the juice on the shelf. After all, most are touted as a healthier option. However, not all juices are created equally. These 15 unhealthy juices are worse than drinking soda.

Isn’t Fruit Juice Healthy?

Wait, isn’t juice healthy? In theory, juice should be healthier. After all, many claims to contain plenty of nutrient content. That means they are worth it, right? Well, it depends on which one you choose.

Some juice brands are stocked full of sugar, which can negate the benefits you may be loading up. Additionally, juice can also be relatively low in fiber because, during the juicing process, the fruit is stripped of this natural vitamin.

While some of the juices on this list can have nutrient benefits in small dosages, too much can be problematic. Sugar has a link to increasing several health risks, including stroke, dental cavities, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. Therefore, reducing how much of these juices you consume may be a good idea.

What to Look for in a Juice

If you love juice and prefer to get your nutrition this way instead of natural fruits and vegetables, there are a few things to look for. While this isn’t always foolproof, one of the first things to look for is a brand that says it’s 100% juice. This may limit the amount of sugar that has been added to it.

Also, look for low-sodium and juices with no added dyes or preservatives.

Top Unhealthy Juices on Grocery Store Shelves

Now, let’s look at the top unhealthy juices that have graced our grocery store shelves. Unless you are a person who constantly reads labels, it can be easy to assume all juices have significant health benefits. Yet, the juice on this list can be just as unhealthy as drinking soda. Let’s look at the reasons why.

Tropicana Caribbean Sunset

Tropicana Caribbean Sunset juice has a high sugar content, around 22 grams, in an eight-fluid ounce serving. Additionally, this juice also contains very little fiber and other nutritional values. According to the EWG website, Tropicana Caribbean Sunset also has a moderate processing concern.

Sunny D Tangy Original

It should be no surprise that Sunny D Tangy Original juice is considered unhealthy. Sunny D contains 14 grams of sugar in an eight-ounce serving. It is also not 100% fruit. This means Sunny D contains artificial preservatives, flavors, and colors, which can negatively affect health.

Their marketing strategy is misleading because the company touts nutritious benefits. However, Sunny D isn’t exactly orange juice. The only thing it has going for is the 100% recommended daily vitamin C. Yet, the sugar content and additives overshadow this benefit.

Minute Maid Peach Punch

One way to know whether or not a juice is safe to call unhealthy depends on the name. Many people know that if the name has the word cocktail, the blend contains plenty of added flavoring and sugar. The same goes for the word punch.

In the case of Minute Maid Peach Punch, the first two ingredients are water and high fructose corn syrup. On top of the high fructose corn syrup, 23 grams of added sugars are added.

Welch’s Grape Juice

Do you remember when Welch’s Grape Juice claimed its juice was good for your heart? But looking beyond the dress-ups, like being made 100% Concord grads and free of artificial flavors, you will find something more alarming. The total sugars in an 8-ounce Welch’s Grape Juice bottle amount to 35 grams.

A 12-ounce fluid ounce of Dr. Pepper contains 38 grams of sugar. At the same time, a Hershey’s bar has 17 grams of sugar.

Naked Juice

In comparison, the previous juices on this list are small stones when stacked up with Naked Juice. This juice contains a puree of fruit or vegetable combined with added sugars, preservatives, and more.

While most Naked Juices are inherently high in sugar content and calories, one staggering example is the Blue Machine. This Naked Juice contains a whooping 320 calories and 55 grams of sugar. These numbers are well above the average soda or candy bar content.

Hawaiian Punch

If you have ever tasted the kid’s favorite Hawaiin Punch as an adult, you know it tastes like straight-up sugar syrup. Perhaps you asked yourself, how did I ever drink this as a kid?

Hawaiian Punch is packed with high fructose corn syrup, which has been known to increase the risk of adverse effects like weight gain, insulin resistance, and fatty liver disease. This juice also has artificial colors like Red 40 and Blue 1. Furthermore, it’s chock-full of preservatives and artificial flavors. Finding an alternative to this sweet drink would be better if health is a concern.

Juicy Juice Apple Juice

Juice is one of the most common drinks to give little ones, especially as they begin to wean towards eating more than baby food. However, choosing apple juice with labels such as 100% fruit or organic is essential.

Juicy Juice Apple Juice is processed and made using concentrated apple juice. Therefore, the amount of sugar in this drink is as high as 27 grams per 8-ounce drink.

Simply Fruit Punch

In general, if the name of the juice has a punch, it’s most likely unhealthy. Fruit punches typically have a high sugar content. Furthermore, they contain less fruit juice than, say, 100% fruit juice drinks.

Simply Fruit Punch is no exception. This drink has 21 grams of added sugar and 25 grams of total sugar. Additionally, there are very few nutrients like protein and fiber.

Bolthouse Farms Green Goodness

In theory, green drinks are healthier than your average fruit juice. Vegetables have less sugar and calories than fruit. Not to mention the vitamins and minerals that vegetables like broccoli and spinach carry.

However, Bolthouse Farms Green Goodness has less than 2% of those yummy greens. Instead, much of the juice is concentrated in pineapple and apple juice. This spikes the sugar content up to 26 grams of sugar. Even with no added sugar, it’s still on the high side.

Ocean Spray Cranberry Juice Cocktail

Ocean Spray Cranberry Juice Cocktail has at least one thing going for it. Cranberries contain a healthy amount of antioxidants and vitamin C. Therefore, you will still benefit from drinking this juice. However, it’s still a cocktail. Which means it gets mixed up with all kinds of sugars and sweeteners.

Ocean Spray Cranberry Juice Cocktail contains a lot of sugar, 28 grams. This extra sugar and very little nutritional value make this juice just as unhealthy as drinking soda.

In Conclusion

Juice can be an appealing alternative if you are trying to avoid drinks like soda. Soda, as many people know, can be very addictive and also have adverse effects on our health. When trying to kick the habit of drinking soda, reaching for a cup of juice can be easy. However, this may not always be the wisest choice.

These ten juices can be just as unhealthy as drinking soda. They contain high levels of sugar. Some of these juices also have high levels of high fructose corn syrup. Too much high fructose corn syrup can harm a person’s health for several reasons. This ingredient can increase the risk of heart disease, liver disease, tooth decay, gout, and many more.

So, watch for a few things when looking for a delicious but healthier juice. Avoid labels with punch, cocktail, or concentrate in them. Additionally, juices that say 100% fruit juice or organic tend to be healthier. But when in doubt, opting for water is always a good idea!

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The post These Are 10 Unhealthy Juices Worse than Giving Your Kids Soda appeared first on Moms Who Think.

If you’re like me, then you seek out Starbucks restaurants so you can get your boost of caffeine for the day. They have a large menu of tasty beverages, and new items show up all of the time. The drinks always do the trick, but did you know that some of the menu options are rather unhealthy? It’s true. Many of the drinks have as many calories as a full meal while others are loaded with sugar. To help you stick to your weight loss goals, we have compiled this list of the most unhealthy drinks at Starbucks.

Some of the unhealthy options include the hot chocolate, Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino, and the Pistachio Latte, so if any of those are your favorite, be warned. However, we’re not leaving you high and dry. At the bottom of this list, you’ll also see a selection of healthy drinks at Starbucks, so you can get your caffeine fix without the guilt.

Unhealthy: Hot Chocolate

We may still be facing some cold temperatures, but be cautious if you try to warm up by getting the hot chocolate. As one of the most unhealthy drinks at Starbucks, the hot chocolate poses a number of concerns. The grande size has 370 calories, 16 grams of fat, 160 mg of sodium, and 43 grams of carbs. That’s if you don’t add in extra marshmallows or sprinkles. Then you’re looking at a very unhealthy beverage.

Unhealthy: Iced Cinnamon Dolce Latte

If you love cinnamon, then the idea of an iced cinnamon dolce latte probably sounds pretty good. No doubt it’s delicious, but it’s also bad for your health. This single drink contains 300 calories, 13 grams of fat, 115 mg of sodium, and 38 grams of carbs. The addition of the whipped cream makes matters worse, so maybe ask to keep that ingredient out of the equation.

Unhealthy: Caramel Apple Spice

If you’re like me, then the idea of the caramel apple spice drink sounds perfect. This is another beverage that is undoubtedly very tasty, but just because it has the word “apple” in it doesn’t mean it’s healthy. Instead, this drink packs in a whopping 380 calories, 35 mg sodium, 8 grams of fat, and 77 grams carbs. The reason for the poor report is due to the addition of whipped cream, heavy cream, caramel sauce, and a slew of other unhealthy ingredients.

Unhealthy: Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino

Many people get excited when the “pumpkin spice” part of the year comes around, but be careful about what you order. Case in point: the Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino. This one is loaded with 420 calories. To keep that in perspective, health experts recommend you consume less than 3,000 calories in an entire day, so this drink is a big part of it. The drink also contains 15 grams of fat, 280 mg of sodium, and 66 grams of carbs, so be careful.

Unhealthy: Mocha Cookie Crumble Frappuccino

Easily, one of the most unhealthy drinks at Starbucks is the Mocha Cookie Crumble Frappuccino. This caffeinated beverage looks more like a giant dessert, and like many desserts, it’s not exactly healthy. The beverage contains 480 calories, 270 mg sodium, 62 g carbs, and 24 g fat. That’s all without customizing the drink. Adding more whipped cream or sprinkles will spike the calorie count even higher.

Unhealthy: Caramel Ribbon Crunch Frappuccino

This is another drink that looks mouthwateringly delicious on the menu, which is why so many people are tempted to order it. However, don’t be too quick to ask for it if you’re on a diet. This chocolatey delight has 470 calories, 22 grams of fat, 280 mg of sodium, and 65 grams of carbs. It’s because this is more dessert than beverage. The inclusion of whipped cream, caramel-sugar topping, and dark caramel sauce are just some of the culprits.

Unhealthy: White Hot Chocolate

No, the white version of hot chocolate is not healthier than the standard version. The secret that makes this drink so tasty is the addition of cocoa butter, but that’s part of the problem. When all is said and done, this drink contains 440 calories, 260 mg of sodium, 19 grams of fat, and 55 grams of carbs. It’s a very unhealthy drink. If you must choose between the two, go for the regular hot chocolate, which is slightly healthier.

Unhealthy: Acai Lemonade Starbucks Refresher

You may go into Starbucks looking to try a refreshing beverage on a hot day. One of the colorful Starbucks Refreshers may look like they’ll hit the spot, but beware. The refresher drinks contain a lot of sugar. Almost enough to fulfill your daily allowance. The drink also contains 140 calories, 15 mg sodium, and 35 grams of carbs. This drink can be refreshing but enjoy it sparingly.

Unhealthy: Pistachio Latte

The Pistachio Latte is certainly one of the most unhealthy drinks at Starbucks. This is another one that may have you scratching your head. After all, aren’t nuts supposed to be healthy? Not when they’re loaded with salted brown butter and four pumps of pistachio sauce. The end result is a tasty drink that contains 320 calories, 9 grams of fat, 310 mg of sodium, and 48 grams of carbs of carbs. Pistachio fans, be warned.

Healthy: Cafe Americano

If you want a drink with barely any calories, go for the Cafe Americano. It is a cup of espresso that is diluted in hot water. The drink provides a nice shot of caffeine with only 15 calories. The only drink at Starbucks that’s healthier than this one is the normal, brewed black coffee. That has five calories per cup. Of course, if you’re going to only get black coffee, you might as well just brew it at home and save some money.

Healthy: Chai Tea Latte

The Chai Tea Latte at Starbucks is out of this world, and luckily, it’s also one of the healthier drinks at the restaurant. This latte includes frothed and steamed milk and the perfect amount of spice. All in all, it has 200 calories. It’s not perfect, but if you watch what you eat for the rest of the day, you’ll be in good shape.

Healthy: Skinny Vanilla Latte

If you need your coffee fix, then a good latte may be the only beverage that fits the bill. However, if you want to stay healthy, go for the skinny vanilla latte. This tasty drink has frothed and steamed milk, a ribbon of vanilla syrup, and several tasty shots of espresso. It’s like a dessert and a pick-me-up all in one. The best part is that the skinny version only has 100 calories if you get the tall size.

Healthy: Nitro Cold Brew

The final healthy choice that we’d like to highlight is the Nitro Cold Brew, which is a tasty, creamy caffeinated beverage that is injected with nitrogen for a great boost. This drink is not for everyone, but if you’re more about function than fashion, then it’s a great choice. Best of all, the drink only has five calories and no sugar. So you’ll be up and going without putting on extra weight.

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The post The 9 Most Unhealthy Drinks at Starbucks – and 4 Low Calorie Replacements appeared first on Moms Who Think.

No matter how the world changes, one thing always remains constant: kids love to eat cereal for breakfast. There’s nothing like sitting down with a heaping bowl of your favorite colorful concoction at the breakfast table or in front of the TV. However, not all cereals are created equal. There are many unhealthy cereal brands out there, and you need to be informed to set your kids up for success each day.

Yes, as you may imagine, many of the classic cereals that we have enjoyed for decades are not exactly healthy. From Franken Berry to Lucky Charms, these cereals are loaded with sugar, dyes, artificial flavors, and other unsavory ingredients. To help you find the best options, we have this list of several unhealthy cereals and a few healthy alternatives.

Avoid: Franken Berry

If you value the health of your kids, you should avoid Franken Berry cereal. This is one of the most unhealthy cereal brands because it’s loaded with sugar. Every serving that your kids eat has 11 grams of sugar. For reference, most medical experts recommend getting less than 36 grams of sugar in a day, so this is a lot for breakfast. On that note, you should also avoid Boo Berry cereal for the same reason.

Avoid: Cookie Crisp

Cookie Crisp is another cereal you and your kids should avoid. It’s loaded with sugar and has 140 calories per serving. It also has a ton of sodium and not enough protein. There’s a lot of downsides to this cereal, so be careful. That may be easier said than done since your kids will likely get excited about cookies for breakfast, but try your best.

Avoid: Lucky Charms

Lucky Charms is one of the most famous of all children’s cereals. It’s also one of the most unhealthy cereal brands. Most cereals that are loaded with marshmallows are going to be unhealthy because they contain a lot of sugar and artificial flavors that aren’t doing your kids any favors. Each serving also has 140 calories and a ton of sodium.

Avoid: Froot Loops

Froot Loops are another of the most famous but also most unhealthy cereal brands. One bowl of this cereal comes with 150 calories, 210 mg of sodium, and 34 g of carbs. Various artificial flavors and fruit dyes give the cereal its color, but they aren’t exactly healthy. If you’re going to let your kids eat Froot Loops, make it a small serving and pair it with some actual fruit.

Avoid: Fruity Pebbles

A big trend that you’ll see on this list is that many of the most unhealthy cereals are also the most colorful. Fruity Pebbles is another example. There’s a ton of sugar in each bowl in addition to 150 calories, 1.5 grams of fat, and 31 grams of carbs. Plus, this is one of many cereals that uses a food preservative called butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT). It’s an ingredient that was once found to be linked to cancer in rodents.

Avoid: Frosted Flakes

The name alone will likely give you the impression that Frosted Flakes are not the healthiest cereal in the world. The cereal is known for its sweet taste, which is made possible due to a heaping serving of sugar per bowl. A whole bowl has 12 grams of sugar, which is almost half of the recommended maximum for the day. Plus, Frosted Flakes have a lot of calories and carbs.

Avoid: Trix

They say that Trix is for kids, but you may want to keep your children away from this unhealthy cereal. It’s loaded with sugar, has over 160 calories per serving, and two grams of fat per bowl. Plus, the cereal has many different artificial colors and flavors.

Avoid: Reese’s Puffs

Reese’s Puffs are easily one of the most unhealthy cereal brands you can find. It’s essentially like eating an entire bowl of candy and there’s very little nutritional value involved. To start, each bowl has 9 grams of sugar, 220 mg of sodium, and 30 grams of carbs. However, the worst part is 4.5 grams of fat in every serving. That’s more than any other cereal on this list so far. Be careful not to eat too much of this.

Avoid: Apple Jacks

Don’t be fooled just because there’s a fruit in the title because Apple Jacks are far from healthy. On the bright side, the cereal does have some grains as part of the ingredients, which provide some minerals and vitamins. However, the cereal is not really good for kids. It has a lot of sodium and 13 grams of sugar per serving, which is a big portion of your daily maximum.

Avoid: Cocoa Puffs

Cocoa Puffs are all about chocolate, so it’s not hard to imagine them not being super healthy. On the positive side, a serving of the cereal does provide a good amount of iron, but that’s where it ends. Each serving also includes 14 grams of sugar and 300mg of sodium. Plus, there’s 3.3 grams of saturated fat in each bowl, so it’s not a good start to the morning.

Avoid: Corn Pops

Corn Pops may seem innocent enough. They’re not very colorful and they have the word “corn” in the title. But don’t be fooled. Corn Pops are one of the most unhealthy cereal brands. One serving contains a lot of sugar, 160 mg of sodium, and plenty of carbs. Plus, the cereal contains annatto extract, which adds the color. It is an element that has been added to allergic reactions.

Avoid: Cap’n Crunch

Don’t be fooled – the Captain does not have your child’s best interest at heart. Each serving is loaded with sugar, calories, fat, sodium, and carbohydrates. Just like all of these bad cereals, stick to this one in moderation. This cereal also includes the BHT ingredient that has been linked to rat cancer, so eat it with caution.

Try: Multigrain Cheerios

Most varieties of Cheerios are among the healthiest cereals you or your kids can eat. They have little sugar and they provide a good amount of protein, which a growing body needs. The best form of Cheerios from a health standpoint is the original version. However, if you want more flavor, go for multigrain. The cereal only contains 6 grams of sugar, which is far less than many competitors and it contains a good amount of protein.

Try: Chex

If your kids want a tasty cereal but you’re concerned about sugar content, try any of the versions of Chex. Whether it’s Cinnamon, Honey Nut, or Chocolate Chex, you’ll be in decent shape. At the most, these cereals contain 10 grams of sugar. It’s not ideal, but it’s less than the competitors. Your kids will be fine if they eat it in moderation. 

Try: Kix

They say that Kix is “kid-tested, parent-approved,” and they’re not wrong. This is one of the healthiest mainstream cereals on the market. The cereal only has three grams of sugar per serving and it contains both fiber and protein, which are essential for growing bodies. The cereal also has enough flavor to keep kids interested.

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The post The 12 Most Unhealthy Cereal Brands for Kids – and 3 Replacements appeared first on Moms Who Think.

Most kitchen tools and gadgets are well-known, even for those unfamiliar with kitchen duties. Can openers, colanders, potato mashers, slotted spoons, and spatulas are items we’ve all seen lying around, and most of us have even used them fairly regularly. These are basic, simple kitchen tools that don’t need much explaining on how to use them. 

But the kitchen tools of today are seriously complicated and if you’re not familiar with the ins-and-outs of food prep, or even if you are, many of the innovative gadgets on the market today can be confusing. Designed to make cooking easier, you’ve likely seen these devices before but have no idea what they are or what they do.

While you may not need all of these to prepare meals effectively, some can aid making the process more efficient–or at least make it fun. Others should be left at the store.

Avocado Slicer

Avocados are highly nutritious and come with many health benefits, but peeling and cutting them can be inconvenient. This tool allows you to peel and slice an avocado efficiently. Although not all avocado slicers come with this function, many also come with a pit remover so there’s no more struggling with the pit when you want to make avocado toast or guacamole.

Tea Strainer

Many people who drink tea are used to purchasing tea bags at the store. However, many tea lovers prefer to purchase loose-leaf tea. When making loose-leaf tea, you need some kind of a tea strainer. This tool allows you to steep your tea, easily remove the strainer, and dump out the leaves when you’re finished.

Pastry Cutter

Not everyone is familiar with this kitchen tool but for those who love to bake, it’s useful to have on hand. A pastry cutter is used to make different types of dough. The purpose of a pastry cutter is to cut the butter or other fat into the flour. While you can use your hands to do this, this tool makes this process less messy while still effectively cutting the fat into the flour.

Garlic Press

Like many other ingredients used for cooking, garlic tastes best when it’s fresh. You certainly can’t beat the convenience of buying minced garlic, but if you’re cooking with fresh garlic cloves, a garlic press is a handy tool to have in the kitchen.

This tool allows you to easily mince garlic without having to chop it. It’s a plus that you don’t have to worry about your hands smelling like garlic for days after using this tool.

Meat Tenderizer

Meat tenderizers come in different varieties, but the simplest type of meat tenderizer is the one that looks like a spiky hammer. This kitchen tool might not be as common nowadays, but they’re still used in many kitchens to tenderize various types of meat before cooking it.

You can also use a meat tenderizer for other purposes in the kitchen such as crushing spices, and nuts, or baking ingredients like graham crackers or chocolate.

Mortar and Pestle

Considering how many ingredients you can buy pre-ground or crushed, not many people own a mortar and pestle unless they’re serious about cooking with fresh ingredients. Even though they’re not as common nowadays, a mortar and pestle is still one of the most effective ways to grind, smash, or crush ingredients such as herbs or garlic.

Corn Holders

If you plan on serving corn on the cob, there’s nothing wrong with picking up the corn with your hands. However, this simple tool is great to have if you serve corn often. Corn holders allow you to hold corn on the cob without having to get your hands dirty. These holders can be especially useful if you’ve added melted butter, cheese, or other toppings to your corn.

Egg Separator

There are numerous recipes out there that call for egg whites or egg yolks. This requires you to separate the yolk from the egg whites and trying to do it with your hands or by using the shell can lead to a mess. This egg separator is a simple way to perfectly separate your egg whites and yolk every time without any hassle.

Milk Frother

If you don’t have one yourself, you’ve likely seen a milk frother before and wondered what it was used for. Battery-powered milk frothers are pretty inexpensive but they’re a great way to make your beverages more fancy. You can use this tool to froth your milk to add to your morning coffee or tea. You can even use it to make a delicious cup of chocolate milk.

Bench Scraper

Bench scrapers, also sometimes known as multi-purpose scrapers, are great for all kinds of tasks in the kitchen. You can use a bench scraper to chop vegetables, cut dough, or even slice pizza. If you’re making something that has a particularly wet or sticky dough, you can use the bench scraper to pick up the dough and shape it properly.

Strawberry Stem Remover

While you can cut the stem off of strawberries with a knife, if you’re baking with strawberries, this kind of tool can be incredibly helpful. A strawberry huller or stem remover can be used for easily scooping out the stem of a strawberry, which is perfect if you’re preparing strawberries to add to a dessert or if you’re preparing a snack for your young kids.

Cookie Press

You’re likely familiar with cookie cutters but a cookie press is another way to make cookies in fun shapes in the kitchen. A cookie press is typically used to make cookies that are smaller and thinner than cookies you make with a cookie cutter. This kitchen tool is simple to use and they come in many different designs.

Pasta Maker

If you’ve never made pasta at home before, you might not know what this contraption is for. While most people buy dry pasta at the store to cook at home, it can also be fun to make your own pasta with tools such as this handheld pasta maker. After making the pasta dough, this kitchen tool allows you to make pasta in different shapes.

Salad Spinner

A salad spinner allows you to dry off lettuce, spinach, or other greens before you make a salad to avoid having soggy vegetables. After washing your greens, you can place them in the salad spinner and remove most of the water. You can also use it for sliced vegetables as well, such as peppers or zucchini.

Nutmeg Grater

If you generally buy ground spices, you wouldn’t believe the difference in how they taste when you grind spices yourself. Freshly ground spices have a lot more flavor and taste fresher than store-bought spices. A nutmeg grater makes it easy to grind your nutmeg, no matter what kind of recipe you’re using it in. It also doesn’t take up too much space so it’s easy to keep in one of your kitchen drawers.

Spiralizer

Sprializing vegetables isn’t a necessity in most recipes but it makes life in the kitchen more fun. A spiralizer is a kitchen tool that allows you to quickly spiralize vegetables or fruits that you can add to salads or stir-fries. Certain vegetables, like zucchini, can also be a low-carb substitute for pasta and a spiralizer allows you to make your zucchini noodles to use instead of spaghetti or linguini.

Steamer Basket

Considering you can steam many store-bought vegetables in the bag they come in, you might not have a separate tool for steaming your vegetables. However, a steamer basket can be handy if you buy fresh vegetables that don’t come in a bag. There are many types of steamers out there, but these collapsible stainless steel steamer baskets save space by collapsing into a smaller size for easy storage.

Egg Cooker

There are plenty of ways to cook eggs that don’t require any fancy tools. However, if you cook a lot of eggs in your home, this egg cooker can be a helpful kitchen tool to have around. Egg cookers are a kitchen tool that cooks eggs with a steaming process. They allow you to make soft or hard-boiled eggs without having to boil them.

Potato Cutter

There are many ways to cook potatoes but if you’re planning on making french fries, it can be challenging to cut them right. If you’re a fan of crinkle-cut fries, this tool makes it easy to cut your potatoes into crinkle shapes so you can bake, fry, or air-fry your potatoes and make the perfect crinkle-cut potatoes at home.

Sugar Duster

When you’re sprinkling powdered sugar on a dessert, it’s not easy to get the amount right. While you can choose to use a spoon to sprinkle your sugar, it often leads to uneven dusting. This sugar duster is the perfect way to spread an even amount of powdered sugar for tasty and beautiful desserts made at home.

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The post Kitchen Tools That Look Familiar But Might Confuse You appeared first on Moms Who Think.

Eating breakfast is an important meal to get you started for the day. Breakfast improves your memory and provides you with energy and nutrients to help regulate your blood sugar. IHOP is known as the Pancake House Giant and is a popular restaurant that focuses on serving pancakes, omelets, French toast, and waffles for breakfast. In addition, it also offers lunch and dinner items such as salads, burgers, and sandwiches. While IHOP may be the go-to for many, there are 8 lesser-known breakfast chains that are way better than IHOP. Let’s see if any of these are on your breakfast list too.

1. Black Bear Diner

This restaurant chain, founded in 1995 by Bob & Laurie Manley and Bruce Dean, serves old-fashioned homestyle foods. There are 158 Black Bear Diner locations in 13 states. They serve large breakfasts for the hungriest of bears. Furthermore, their menu features pancakes, waffles, French toast, 3-egg omelets, 2-egg scrambles, 2-egg classic combos, breakfast burritos, benedicts, and specialty breakfasts.

Recommended Meal: Joe’s Hobo Omelet

This delicious omelet is filled with link sausage, smoked ham, thick-cut smoked bacon, spinach, onion, cheddar cheese, and jack cheese. Served with your choice of strip-cut hash browns, creamy grits, country red potatoes, or fresh fruit. It also includes a homemade biscuit.

2. Eat’n Park

Founded in 1949 by Larry Hatch and William D. Peters, there are 56 locations. The company specializes in breakfast foods, desserts, burgers, salads, sandwiches, kids’ meals, seafood, and appetizers. They have breakfast meal deals that come with coffee or juice. In addition, they serve omelets, wraps, pancakes, waffles, and French toast. Their prices are reasonable too, and the ambiance has a cozy, classic diner feel.

Recommended Meal: Meat Lovers Breakfast Wrap

This flavorful wrap is perfect for meat lovers. It comes with sausage, scrambled eggs, baked ham, bacon, and cheese served in a flour tortilla. Furthermore, it comes with your choice of fresh fruit and breakfast potatoes. Their onion rings are great too.

3. Golden Nugget Pancake House

Golden Nugget Pancake House has four locations and has been serving Chicago for over 50 years. Founded by Howard N. Quam, this restaurant is certainly the place to go for an awesome breakfast. The portion sizes are huge and absolutely delicious. They have a vast menu that includes Mexican favorites, trendy food, and diner staples for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Recommended Meal: Fruit Waffle

I would definitely want to try everything on their menu. Their prices are excellent. The buttercream waffles are made fresh daily in their kitchen with pure butter and fresh Grade AA eggs. This delectable fruit waffle is made with fresh slices of in-season strawberries, blueberries, apples, and bananas topped with whipped cream.

4. Huddle House

Founded by John Sparks in April 1964, Huddle House has 272 locations. The staff are very friendly and engaging. Their breakfast menu features 2 egg breakfast platters, big house breakfasts, fluffed and stuffed omelets, stuffed hashbrowns, sweet cakes, perfectly cooked pancakes, golden waffles, and bowels. So there is a lot to choose from. In addition, they also serve burgers and melts, home-style dinners, and desserts.

Recommended Meal: MVP (Most Valuable Platter)

This platter is one of the most popular breakfasts. It comes with 3 strips of Applewood smoked bacon, 2 patties of turkey sausage or country sausage, crispy hashbrowns or seasonal fruit, 2 eggs, an old-fashioned buttermilk pancake or golden waffle, and your choice of buttery toast, homestyle grits, or biscuit and sausage gravy. I must give a double thumbs up: the biscuit & sausage gravy is one of the best I’ve ever had.

5. Perkins Restaurant & Bakery

This American casual dining restaurant was established by Matt and Ivan Perkins in 1957. The company has 265 locations and serves breakfast and other homestyle meals. Furthermore, the bakery items include muffins, pies, and freshly baked sweet items. Some of their breakfast items include 3-egg omelets, perfect platters, pancakes, freshly cracked classics, and biscuit breakfasts.

Recommended Meal: Southern Fried Chicken Biscuit Breakfast

This breakfast consists of American cheese and a fried chicken fillet inside two freshly baked biscuits. Served with two Applewood smoked bacon strips, two eggs, your choice of breakfast potatoes, or hashbrowns topped with cream gravy. It’s full of flavor and really hits the spot. I look forward to trying their other items. Perkins also offers healthy breakfast options like egg white omelets, fresh fruits, and whole grain pancakes. 

6. Village Inn

The Village Inn was founded 66 years ago by James Mola and Merton Anderson. The casual dining restaurant has 116 locations. It is well known for its breakfast items as well as its variety of burgers, dinner items, and pies. The breakfast menu features heritage breakfast, pancakes, waffles, crêpes, and French toast. Their breakfasts are worth the price, and this restaurant is worth coming back to.

Recommended Meal: Eggs Benedict

This includes smoked ham and two poached eggs over a toasted English muffin and finally topped with a delightful Hollandaise sauce. If you like a nice runny egg, then give this one a try.

7. First Watch

Founded in 1983 by Ken Pendery and John Sullivan, start your day off with an exceptional breakfast that looks good, tastes good, and will make you feel good. First Watch has more than 535 locations in 13 different states. They serve healthy granola bowls, oatmeal, frittatas, wraps, waffles, and more.

Recommended Meal: Carne Asada Hash

Treat yourself at First Watch to a Carne Asada Hash. This breakfast comes with thinly sliced carne asada, diced bell peppers, and crumbled chorizo in a potato hash. Then it’s topped with your style of two cage-free eggs, Monterey Jack, cheddar, homemade pico de gallo, jalapeño crema, fresh avo, and cilantro. Finally, it is served with two warm wheat-corn tortillas.

8. Tudor’s Biscuit World

Finally, founded by Bill and Mae Tudor in 1980, this chain has locations throughout West Virginia, Kentucky, Ohio, and Florida. They primarily serve breakfast with fewer items for lunch and dinner. Many breakfast chains have their own specialties, and this one is biscuits. The breakfast menu also features low-carb platters and pancake platters.

Recommended Meal: Super Breakfast

Tudor’s biscuits are fluffy and large and come with a variety of toppings. Our favorite on the list is the Super Breakfast. It comes with your choice of sausage or bacon, two eggs, fried potatoes, stewed apples, gravy, and a homemade buttermilk biscuit.

Get ready to tantalize your taste buds and try these 8 lesser-known breakfast chains that are way better than IHOP.

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The amount of kitchen tools and gadgets available today can be overwhelming. It isn’t just pots, pans, a colander, some cooking spoons, perhaps a spatula, and a vegetable peeler. The tools today go way behind these basics and there’s just about anything you can image to open every can and jar, or to slice and dice all fruits and vegetables. From simple gadgets like juicers and oven mitts to extra fancy gadgets like hullers, if you need it, it’s most likely available.

However, just because a tool is available doesn’t mean it’s easy to use. Many of the kitchen tools available today can be confusing. Some gadgets are so strange and foreign, you might think someone left a car tool in the wrong room. But no, these are, in fact, kitchen gizmos; devices you may have seen before but never realized what they were used for.

You may not need all of these kitchen tools to prepare meals effectively, but some can make the cooking process more efficient or at least more enjoyable. Others are just better left at the store.

Avocado Slicer

Avocados are highly nutritious and come with many health benefits, but peeling and cutting them can be inconvenient. This tool allows you to peel and slice an avocado efficiently. Although not all avocado slicers come with this function, many also come with a pit remover so there’s no more struggling with the pit when you want to make avocado toast or guacamole.

Tea Strainer

Many people who drink tea are used to purchasing tea bags at the store. However, many tea lovers prefer to purchase loose-leaf tea. When making loose-leaf tea, you need some kind of a tea strainer. This tool allows you to steep your tea, easily remove the strainer, and dump out the leaves when you’re finished.

Pastry Cutter

Not everyone is familiar with this kitchen tool but for those who love to bake, it’s useful to have on hand. A pastry cutter is used to make different types of dough. The purpose of a pastry cutter is to cut the butter or other fat into the flour. While you can use your hands to do this, this tool makes this process less messy while still effectively cutting the fat into the flour.

Garlic Press

Like many other ingredients used for cooking, garlic tastes best when it’s fresh. You certainly can’t beat the convenience of buying minced garlic, but if you’re cooking with fresh garlic cloves, a garlic press is a handy tool to have in the kitchen.

This tool allows you to easily mince garlic without having to chop it. It’s a plus that you don’t have to worry about your hands smelling like garlic for days after using this tool.

Meat Tenderizer

Meat tenderizers come in different varieties, but the simplest type of meat tenderizer is the one that looks like a spiky hammer. This kitchen tool might not be as common nowadays, but they’re still used in many kitchens to tenderize various types of meat before cooking it.

You can also use a meat tenderizer for other purposes in the kitchen such as crushing spices, and nuts, or baking ingredients like graham crackers or chocolate.

Mortar and Pestle

Considering how many ingredients you can buy pre-ground or crushed, not many people own a mortar and pestle unless they’re serious about cooking with fresh ingredients. Even though they’re not as common nowadays, a mortar and pestle is still one of the most effective ways to grind, smash, or crush ingredients such as herbs or garlic.

Corn Holders

If you plan on serving corn on the cob, there’s nothing wrong with picking up the corn with your hands. However, this simple tool is great to have if you serve corn often. Corn holders allow you to hold corn on the cob without having to get your hands dirty. These holders can be especially useful if you’ve added melted butter, cheese, or other toppings to your corn.

Egg Separator

There are numerous recipes out there that call for egg whites or egg yolks. This requires you to separate the yolk from the egg whites and trying to do it with your hands or by using the shell can lead to a mess. This egg separator is a simple way to perfectly separate your egg whites and yolk every time without any hassle.

Milk Frother

If you don’t have one yourself, you’ve likely seen a milk frother before and wondered what it was used for. Battery-powered milk frothers are pretty inexpensive but they’re a great way to make your beverages more fancy. You can use this tool to froth your milk to add to your morning coffee or tea. You can even use it to make a delicious cup of chocolate milk.

Bench Scraper

Bench scrapers, also sometimes known as multi-purpose scrapers, are great for all kinds of tasks in the kitchen. You can use a bench scraper to chop vegetables, cut dough, or even slice pizza. If you’re making something that has a particularly wet or sticky dough, you can use the bench scraper to pick up the dough and shape it properly.

Strawberry Stem Remover

While you can cut the stem off of strawberries with a knife, if you’re baking with strawberries, this kind of tool can be incredibly helpful. A strawberry huller or stem remover can be used for easily scooping out the stem of a strawberry, which is perfect if you’re preparing strawberries to add to a dessert or if you’re preparing a snack for your young kids.

Cookie Press

You’re likely familiar with cookie cutters but a cookie press is another way to make cookies in fun shapes in the kitchen. A cookie press is typically used to make cookies that are smaller and thinner than cookies you make with a cookie cutter. This kitchen tool is simple to use and they come in many different designs.

Pasta Maker

If you’ve never made pasta at home before, you might not know what this contraption is for. While most people buy dry pasta at the store to cook at home, it can also be fun to make your own pasta with tools such as this handheld pasta maker. After making the pasta dough, this kitchen tool allows you to make pasta in different shapes.

Salad Spinner

A salad spinner allows you to dry off lettuce, spinach, or other greens before you make a salad to avoid having soggy vegetables. After washing your greens, you can place them in the salad spinner and remove most of the water. You can also use it for sliced vegetables as well, such as peppers or zucchini.

Nutmeg Grater

If you generally buy ground spices, you wouldn’t believe the difference in how they taste when you grind spices yourself. Freshly ground spices have a lot more flavor and taste fresher than store-bought spices. A nutmeg grater makes it easy to grind your nutmeg, no matter what kind of recipe you’re using it in. It also doesn’t take up too much space so it’s easy to keep in one of your kitchen drawers.

Spiralizer

Spiralizing vegetables isn’t a necessity in most recipes but it does make life in the kitchen more fun. A spiralizer is a kitchen tool that allows you to quickly spiralize vegetables or fruits that you can add to salads or stir-fries. Certain vegetables, like zucchini, can also be a low-carb substitute for pasta and a spiralizer allows you to make your zucchini noodles to use instead of spaghetti or linguini.

Steamer Basket

Considering you can steam many store-bought vegetables in the bag they come in, you might not have a separate tool for steaming your vegetables. However, a steamer basket can be handy if you buy fresh vegetables that don’t come in a bag. There are many types of steamers out there, but these collapsible stainless steel steamer baskets save space by collapsing into a smaller size for easy storage.

Egg Cooker

There are plenty of ways to cook eggs that don’t require any fancy tools. However, if you cook a lot of eggs in your home, this egg cooker can be a helpful kitchen tool to have around. Egg cookers are a kitchen tool that cooks eggs with a steaming process. They allow you to make soft or hard-boiled eggs without having to boil them.

Potato Cutter

There are many ways to cook potatoes but if you’re planning on making French fries, it can be challenging to cut them right. If you’re a fan of crinkle-cut fries, this tool makes it easy to cut your potatoes into crinkle shapes so you can bake, fry, or air-fry your potatoes and make the perfect crinkle-cut potatoes at home.

Sugar Duster

When you’re sprinkling powdered sugar on a dessert, it’s not easy to get the amount right. While you can choose to use a spoon to sprinkle your sugar, it often leads to uneven dusting. This sugar duster is the perfect way to spread an even amount of powdered sugar for tasty and beautiful desserts made at home.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©Steve Cukrov/Shutterstock.com.

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Founded in 1971 by Gordon Bowker, Jerry Baldwin, and Zev Siegl, these three men decided to start a coffee shop. As of 2024, there are over 40,199 Starbucks locations worldwide. It’s no secret that Americans love to eat fast food. In 2023, Drive Research conducted a survey revealing that 65% of Americans eat fast food at least once a week. Starbucks is a popular choice for on-the-go beverages and meals. For my New Year’s resolution, I’ve decided to lose a bit of weight, get fitter, and eat fewer fast food meals. Some of the unhealthiest foods to eat at Starbucks include scones, sandwiches, and frappes. These foods are high in fat, sugar, and calories and should be avoided if you want to get healthy. Here are 6 harsh realities that made me reevaluate my love for Starbucks.

Reason 1: Too Many Calories

Who doesn’t love bacon, egg, and cheese? The Breakfast Double-Smoked Bacon, Cheddar & Egg Sandwich is a high-protein croissant bun. It features bacon smoked over hickory wood chips for six hours. It comes with a cage-free fried egg and is topped with melted cheddar cheese.

Nutritional Information

The Breakfast Double-Smoked Bacon, Cheddar & Egg Sandwich sounds delicious. However, one serving size is 148 g and has 500 calories, 27 g of total fat, and 8 g of sugar. Not to mention it’s also high in sodium, containing 960 mg.

Reason 2: Too Much Sugar in Foods

The Iced Lemon Loaf is a buttery, citrusy lemon pound cake topped with icing. I found the icing had become too sweet. Furthermore, I think it’s quite expensive at $4.75. You can pick up a slice at Walmart for $1.48 that tastes just as good.

Nutritional Information

The Iced Lemon Loaf is a popular choice for those with a sweet tooth. But have you ever looked at the nutritional value? One piece is 115 g and has 410 calories, 17 g of fat, and 36 g of sugar. That’s quite a lot considering men should not consume more than 35 g of sugar and women no more than 25 g per day.

Reason 3: The Protein Boxes

In 2017, Starbucks introduced its protein boxes. There used to be quite a range that would suit different taste buds. The assortment today is not as vast, and I was disappointed to see that not all locations stock the same protein boxes.

Nutritional Information

While these meals may be high in protein, they are also high in calories and may not be the right choice for your lunch depending on your personal needs. Let’s take a look at the protein boxes I found at a location near my area.

• Eggs and Gouda: Contains multigrain crackers, two cage-free hard-boiled eggs, Gouda, peanut butter spread, a blend of dried apricots, apples, and salt and pepper. Serving size: 170 g and 530 calories.
• Cheese Trio: Contains sea salt and olive oil crackers, Gouda, Brie, and sharp Cheddar cheese with dried cranberries and apricots. Serving size 135 g and 520 calories.
• Eggs and Cheddar: Contains sliced tart apples, two cage-free hard-boiled eggs, grapes, white cheddar cheese, honey peanut butter, and multigrain muesli bread. Serving size 247 g and 460 calories.

Furthermore, I also think the protein boxes are expensive. You can make your own at home for a fraction of the price.

Reason 4: The Breakfast Sandwiches Recall

Back in 2016, Starbucks recalled breakfast sandwiches, cheese, and fruit boxes. According to CNN, these items were voluntarily recalled due to concerns of contamination with allergens or listeria. This reality made me reevaluate my love for Starbucks, especially after I found out that Starbucks does not make its food fresh. All foods arrive boxed up, frozen, and popped into a small machine to be heated up. With that said, this is my personal opinion and concern about contamination.

Listeria Infection Information

According to Mayoclinic.org, listeria is a foodborne bacterial illness that can affect people with weak immune systems, people over the age of 65, and pregnant women. The problem with this bacteria is that it can survive in the fridge and freezer. Symptoms can include, diarrhea, nausea, fever, chills, and muscle aches.

Reason 5: Sugar Amount in Drinks

Sure, that Caramel Ribbon Crunch Frappuccino tastes like heaven, but have you thought about how much sugar and calories you’re putting into your body? It might be time to think twice before you indulge in these extra-sugary drinks daily. I was completely shocked about the amounts.

Nutritional Information

Based on a grande size, 16 fl oz

• Caramel Ribbon Crunch Frappuccino: 60 g sugar and 470 calories
• Iced Peppermint White Chocolate Mocha: 61g sugar and 460 calories
• Caffè Vanilla Frappuccino 63 g sugar and 410 calories

Reason 6: Rising Prices

Starbucks used to be well known for its affordable fast food prices. However, the prices have increased a lot over the past few years making it less budget-friendly.  Finance Buzz used information from website menus to see how prices have increased since 2014.

Increased Percentage

• Cake Pop: in 2014 cost $1.50 and in 2024 it cost $2.95 that’s a 97% increase.
• Bagel: in 2014 cost $1.25 and in 2024 it cost $2.25 that’s an 80% increase.
• Sausage and Cheddar Breakfast Sandwich: in 2014 cost $2.95 and in 2024 cost $4.25 that’s a 44% increase.
• Spinach and Feta Wrap: in 2014 cost $3.25 and in 2024 cost $4.45 that’s a 37% increase.

Finally, instead of spending money on Starbucks, I could save that money and put it towards a pension fund. 6 harsh realities that made me reevaluate my love for Starbucks are going to help me achieve my goals to get fit.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©JohnFScott / Getty Images.

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In the world of mixology, classic cocktails have always held a special place because they combine history and artistry. While trends come and go, these classic beverages remain popular with cocktail enthusiasts around the world. Shaken and not stirred, these concoctions have a perfect blend of flavors that will never go out of style. Do you always drink the same cocktail, or do you want to try something new? Skip the Martini, these 14 classic cocktails are better.

Cuba Libre

Otherwise known as rum and coke, this cocktail originated in Cuba during the early 20th century. It became a favorite drink across Cuba, the United States of America, and other countries. Simply add 2 parts of Bacardi Superior Rum, 1 wedge of fresh lime squeezed, and top up with Coca-Cola. Add all parts to a tall glass and serve on ice.

The Cane Swizzle

Sugarcane spirits are popular around the world. The juice is produced by pressing sugarcane, fermenting it, and then distilling it into a spirit. To make a Cane Swizzle, you will need a Collins glass with cubed ice, cane, Blue Curacao, lemon juice, and a dash of grenadine. Then top up with lemonade and garnish with a mint sprig.

Daiquiri

A cocktail done right is like a meal in itself. The Daiquiri is a popular summer drink that consists of white rum, sugar, or another sweetener, and a citrus juice, usually lime juice. Nowadays various Daiquiri recipes include frozen fruits such as strawberries or bananas.

Manhattan

The Manhattan cocktail is made with bitters, whisky, and sweet vermouth. It is usually stirred with ice and then strained into a chilled cocktail glass and garnished with a cherry.

Sidecar

During the 1920s this cocktail became popular in London and Paris. It is traditionally made with lemon juice, Cointreau, and Cognac.  Shake in a shaker with ice, then strain into a cocktail glass. Serve it with a twist of lemon or orange. 

Old Fashioned

The old-fashioned was given its name in the 1800s. It is made by adding whiskey, bitters, a sugar cube, and a dash of water served over ice in an old-fashioned glass. It is then garnished with a twist of lemon and a cherry.

 Brandy Alexander 

The original Alexander was made by mixing gin with crème de cacao and cream and not brandy. If you haven’t tried one of these, then you are missing out. Gather 1 ½ ounces of cognac, 1 ounce of dark crème de cacao, and 1 ounce of cream. Mix in a shaker with ice, strain into a chilled glass, and garnish with grated nutmeg.

Whiskey Sour

A Whiskey Sour is commonly served before dinner and contains sugar, whiskey, and lemon juice. It can be made as a mixed drink or shot. Simply shake with ice, strain, and pour into a chilled glass. Serve on the rocks and garnish with a cherry and half a slice of orange. 

Between the Sheets

Between the Sheets can be enjoyed at any time of the day. This cocktail was a derivative of the Sidecar in the 1930s at Harry’s New York Bar in Paris. Add white rum, cognac, triple sec, and lemon juice to a shaker with ice, strain, and serve in a chilled cocktail glass without ice.

Gin Fizz

In America, between 1900 and the 1940s, this cocktail became quite popular. To make it, add gin, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup to a shaker with ice. Shake for 2 minutes, then strain into a chilled glass and top with soda water. Garnish with a slice of lemon without ice.

Mary Pickford

This cocktail was named after a Canadian-American actress in the 1920s by Fred Kaufmann or Eddie Woelke at the Hotel Nacional de Cuba. It is made with fresh pineapple juice, white rum, Maraschino liqueur, and grenadine. The ingredients are shaken in a shaker, strained, and served in a chilled cocktail glass with a cherry.

The Porto Flip

Jerry Thomas recorded this cocktail in his book The Bartender’s Guide: How to Mix Drinks; A Bon Vivant’s Companion in 1862. Furthermore, it is referred to as the “Coffee Cocktail” named for its looks rather than the ingredients used. It is commonly served after dinner. In a shaker, mix brandy, port, and egg yolk with ice, then strain and pour it into a chilled glass. Finally, garnish with grated nutmeg.

The Tuxedo

The Tuxedo was first mixed at the Tuxedo Club in Orange County, New York. It can be enjoyed at any time of the day. In a shaker with ice, mix gin, orange bitters, absinthe, dry vermouth, and maraschino. Strain and pour into a chilled cocktail glass. Finally, garnish with a cherry and a twist of lemon zest.

The Bloody Mary

This popular cocktail was invented in the 1920s or 1930s. The original Bloody Mary was only made with vodka and tomato juice. When making a Bloody Mary, gently shake vodka, tomato juice, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, tobacco sauce, celery salt, and black pepper in a shaker. Strain and pour into a long glass with ice. Then garnish with a lemon slice and celery.

Finally, whether you enjoy sipping on an Old Fashioned or like the spiciness of a Bloody Mary, each cocktail has a unique story to tell. So, the next time you want a drink, skip the Martini, these 14 cocktails are better and definitely worth a try.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©iStock.com/Roxiller.

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Kitchens are a place where magic happens. Food of all kinds enter in one form, and exit in another. But they don’t just reappear as new dishes, drinks, or snacks on there own. They have a little help from various mystery kitchen gadgets that come in all shapes and sizes. Some are simple and familiar, tools you may be used to seeing like colanders, flour sifters, potato mashers, spatula, and vegetable peelers. Items that our grandparents likely had in their kitchen.

But others might be a bit more foreign. Gadgets that were developed to address the growing need, or perhaps laziness, of kitchen users who wanted a simpler way of doing things. Some of these tools certainly do make kitchen prep easier, but others, with their odd shapes and cut-outs, might be a bit excessive. You may not need them all to cook efficiently, but they might make cooking more entertaining. Take a look at our list and judge for yourself.

Avocado Slicer

Avocados are highly nutritious and come with many health benefits, but peeling and cutting them can be inconvenient. This tool allows you to peel and slice an avocado efficiently. Although not all avocado slicers come with this function, many also come with a pit remover so there’s no more struggling with the pit when you want to make avocado toast or guacamole.

Tea Strainer

Many people who drink tea are used to purchasing tea bags at the store. However, many tea lovers prefer to purchase loose-leaf tea. When making loose-leaf tea, you need some kind of a tea strainer. This tool allows you to steep your tea, easily remove the strainer, and dump out the leaves when you’re finished.

Pastry Cutter

Not everyone is familiar with this kitchen tool but for those who love to bake, it’s useful to have on hand. A pastry cutter is used to make different types of dough. The purpose of a pastry cutter is to cut the butter or other fat into the flour. While you can use your hands to do this, this tool makes this process less messy while still effectively cutting the fat into the flour.

Garlic Press

Like many other ingredients used for cooking, garlic tastes best when it’s fresh. You certainly can’t beat the convenience of buying minced garlic, but if you’re cooking with fresh garlic cloves, a garlic press is a handy tool to have in the kitchen.

This tool allows you to easily mince garlic without having to chop it. It’s a plus that you don’t have to worry about your hands smelling like garlic for days after using this tool.

Meat Tenderizer

Meat tenderizers come in different varieties, but the simplest type of meat tenderizer is the one that looks like a spiky hammer. This kitchen tool might not be as common nowadays, but they’re still used in many kitchens to tenderize various types of meat before cooking it.

You can also use a meat tenderizer for other purposes in the kitchen such as crushing spices, and nuts, or baking ingredients like graham crackers or chocolate.

Mortar and Pestle

Considering how many ingredients you can buy pre-ground or crushed, not many people own a mortar and pestle unless they’re serious about cooking with fresh ingredients. Even though they’re not as common nowadays, a mortar and pestle is still one of the most effective ways to grind, smash, or crush ingredients such as herbs or garlic.

Corn Holders

If you plan on serving corn on the cob, there’s nothing wrong with picking up the corn with your hands. However, this simple tool is great to have if you serve corn often. Corn holders allow you to hold corn on the cob without having to get your hands dirty. These holders can be especially useful if you’ve added melted butter, cheese, or other toppings to your corn.

Egg Separator

There are numerous recipes out there that call for egg whites or egg yolks. This requires you to separate the yolk from the egg whites and trying to do it with your hands or by using the shell can lead to a mess. This egg separator is a simple way to perfectly separate your egg whites and yolk every time without any hassle.

Milk Frother

If you don’t have one yourself, you’ve likely seen a milk frother before and wondered what it was used for. Battery-powered milk frothers are pretty inexpensive but they’re a great way to make your beverages more fancy. You can use this tool to froth your milk to add to your morning coffee or tea. You can even use it to make a delicious cup of chocolate milk.

Bench Scraper

Bench scrapers, also sometimes known as multi-purpose scrapers, are great for all kinds of tasks in the kitchen. You can use a bench scraper to chop vegetables, cut dough, or even slice pizza. If you’re making something that has a particularly wet or sticky dough, you can use the bench scraper to pick up the dough and shape it properly.

Strawberry Stem Remover

While you can cut the stem off of strawberries with a knife, if you’re baking with strawberries, this kind of tool can be incredibly helpful. A strawberry huller or stem remover can be used for easily scooping out the stem of a strawberry, which is perfect if you’re preparing strawberries to add to a dessert or if you’re preparing a snack for your young kids.

Cookie Press

You’re likely familiar with cookie cutters but a cookie press is another way to make cookies in fun shapes in the kitchen. A cookie press is typically used to make cookies that are smaller and thinner than cookies you make with a cookie cutter. This kitchen tool is simple to use and they come in many different designs.

Pasta Maker

If you’ve never made pasta at home before, you might not know what this contraption is for. While most people buy dry pasta at the store to cook at home, it can also be fun to make your own pasta with tools such as this handheld pasta maker. After making the pasta dough, this kitchen tool allows you to make pasta in different shapes.

Salad Spinner

A salad spinner allows you to dry off lettuce, spinach, or other greens before you make a salad to avoid having soggy vegetables. After washing your greens, you can place them in the salad spinner and remove most of the water. You can also use it for sliced vegetables as well, such as peppers or zucchini.

Nutmeg Grater

If you generally buy ground spices, you wouldn’t believe the difference in how they taste when you grind spices yourself. Freshly ground spices have a lot more flavor and taste fresher than store-bought spices. A nutmeg grater makes it easy to grind your nutmeg, no matter what kind of recipe you’re using it in. It also doesn’t take up too much space so it’s easy to keep in one of your kitchen drawers.

Spiralizer

Sprializing vegetables isn’t a necessity in most recipes but it does make life in the kitchen more fun. A spiralizer is a kitchen tool that allows you to quickly spiralize vegetables or fruits that you can add to salads or stir-fries. Certain vegetables, like zucchini, can also be a low-carb substitute for pasta and a spiralizer allows you to make your zucchini noodles to use instead of spaghetti or linguini.

Steamer Basket

Considering you can steam many store-bought vegetables in the bag they come in, you might not have a separate tool for steaming your vegetables. However, a steamer basket can be handy if you buy fresh vegetables that don’t come in a bag. There are many types of steamers out there, but these collapsible stainless steel steamer baskets save space by collapsing into a smaller size for easy storage.

Egg Cooker

There are plenty of ways to cook eggs that don’t require any fancy tools. However, if you cook a lot of eggs in your home, this egg cooker can be a helpful kitchen tool to have around. Egg cookers are a kitchen tool that cooks eggs with a steaming process. They allow you to make soft or hard-boiled eggs without having to boil them.

Potato Cutter

There are many ways to cook potatoes but if you’re planning on making french fries, it can be challenging to cut them right. If you’re a fan of crinkle-cut fries, this tool makes it easy to cut your potatoes into crinkle shapes so you can bake, fry, or air-fry your potatoes and make the perfect crinkle-cut potatoes at home.

Sugar Duster

When you’re sprinkling powdered sugar on a dessert, it’s not easy to get the amount right. While you can choose to use a spoon to sprinkle your sugar, it often leads to uneven dusting. This sugar duster is the perfect way to spread an even amount of powdered sugar for tasty and beautiful desserts made at home.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©therry/ via Getty Images.

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Founded in 1905 by Frank Brunckhorst, Boar’s Head supplies condiments, deli meats, and cheeses. When it comes to deli meat, Boar’s Head is a popular choice for many patrons. It is well known for its delicious flavors, like the Cracked Pepper Mill Smoked Turkey Breast, which has a hint of paprika and a nice smokey flavor. There is also another fan favorite, the Prosciutto di Parma. While deli meats are a staple in many households, they can be used far beyond sandwiches, like in pastas, pizzas, and more. I used to only eat Boar’s Head deli meat, but these 8 brands are just as good.

All Natural Sliced Italian Dry Uncured Salami: Gallo Salame

• Size: 6 oz
• Price: $4.73

This salami has 7g of protein per serving and contains no added nitrates or nitrites. It’s a natural salami with no added MSG or preservatives. Add it to a toasted ciabatta bread with some cheese, mixed greens, and slices of tomatoes for a quick on-the-go lunch.

Pepperoni: Gallo Salame

• Size: 15.2 oz
• Price: $6.26

This pepperoni contains 6g of protein per serving (7 slices) and is made with high-quality beef and pork. It’s already sliced, so you can quickly add it to your pizza or sandwich. Furthermore, this brand is cheaper and thicker than others. Plus, it’s full of flavor.

Garlic & Herb Chicken Breast: Prima Della

• Size: deli sliced
• Price: $9.87 lb

This chicken breast contains no artificial flavors, fillers, or binders and is 98% fat-free. It contains 12g of protein per serving and comes in a resealable plastic bag to ensure freshness. Add it to rye bread with some mustard for a quick on-the-go lunch.

Cubed Pepperoni: Prima Della

• Size: 6 oz
• Price: $3.96

A 1 oz serving size of cubed pepperoni contains 6g of protein. It contains beef and pork. Add them to cheese platters and salads, or eat them as a snack on the go.

Oven Roasted Turkey Breast Sliced: Applegate Naturals

• Size: 7 oz
• Price: $6.24

These oven-roasted turkey slices contain no growth hormones, antibiotics, casein, GMOs, or artificial ingredients. It is grass-fed or 100% vegetarian feed. Furthermore, it contains 11g of protein, zero trans fat, and is sugar-free per serving. Wrap it in a tortilla with some green chiles, cream cheese, Colby Jack, sour cream, and salsa, then heat it up in a skillet for a minute.

Black Forest Uncured Ham: Applegate Naturals

• Size: 7 oz
• Price: $6.24

This ham contains 5g of protein and 30 calories. It has zero trans fat and low carbs per serving. No growth hormones or antibiotics have been used. Furthermore, it is gluten and casein-free, and no GMOs or artificial ingredients have been used. This and the honey ham taste great; it’s thinly cut and has a wonderful flavor. Add it to a noodle salad bowl with chili lime sauce for a healthy lunch.

Sliced Roast Beef: Hillshire Farm

• Size: 7 oz
• Price: $4.77

This ultra-thin deli beef is slow-cooked and oven-roasted. It is full of flavor, juicy, and 95% fat-free. It also doesn’t go slimy and tastes great on whole-grain bread with cheddar cheese, lettuce, and sliced red onion.

Hardwood Smoked Summer Sausage: Hillshire Farm

• Size: 20 oz
• Price: $6.97

The flavorful sausage is smoked over natural hardwood and made with quality cuts of meat. It contains 10g of protein per serving and is fully cooked and ready to eat. Simply slice it up and add it to a party platter for a tasty appetizer.

Sub Kit: Oscar Mayer

• Size: 28 oz
• Price: $9.87

Picking up a packet of this sub kit means you have enough quality meat for everyone to enjoy. Each packet comes with enough slices of smoked ham and smoked turkey to make 14 six-inch subs.

Fresh Rotisserie Seasoned Chicken Breast: Oscar Mayer

• Size: 9 oz
• Price: $5.23

This lunch meat is coated with paprika and other seasonings. It is made from chickens raised with no added hormones. Furthermore, it is 98% fat-free, so it is perfect for those living a low-carb, healthy lifestyle. Add it to some eggs, milk, Italian seasoning, mushrooms, tomatoes, spinach, cheese, shredded hashbrowns, and fresh basil to create a healthy Italian breakfast bake.

Hard Salami: Great Value

• Size: 7 oz
• Price: $4.44

This thinly sliced hard salami contains no artificial flavors, preservatives, or colors. The thickness of the slices is good, and it tastes great. It’s more affordable than other name brands. Great value for money. Add it to an omelet with some fresh herbs and cheese.

Honey Deli Ham: Great Value

• Size: 32 oz
• Price: $8.88

To keep the honey ham fresh, it comes in a ziplock bag. It contains 5g of protein and 35 calories per serving. This ham is great value for money and perfect for school lunches. Add it to slices of cucumber with red pepper hummus, roasted red peppers, olives, and chopped spinach, then roll it all up to create tasty honey ham cucumber roll-ups.

Charcuterie Tasting Board: COLUMBUS

• Size: 12.5 oz
• Price: $13.96

The convenient ready-to-serve tasting board is perfect to take to a family gathering. It contains white cheddar cheese, slow-aged Calabrese and Italian dry pork salami, La Panzanella multigrain crackers, dark chocolate-covered cranberries, and Castelvetrano olives.

Sliced Pork Prosciutto: COLUMBUS

• Size: 3 oz
• Price: $5.74

This sliced pork prosciutto contains no artificial colors, MSGs, or flavors and is gluten-free. Seasoned with salt and made from high-quality pork, each serving provides 8g of protein. Finally, serve it on a waffle slider with bacon, tomato slices, and horseradish Dijon aioli for dipping.

81 Classic Sliced Boneless Quarter Ham: HORMEL

• Size: 1.5 –3.0 lb
• Average Price: $9.96

This ham is hardwood smoked and handcrafted using traditional methods. It’s fully cooked and can be served cold or heated. It has a delicious flavor and is beautifully sliced. Serve it alongside your favorite side dishes like onion bread, roast potatoes, sweet carrots, and green beans.

Hard Salami: Hormel

• Size: 4.75 lb
• Price: $43.99

Finally, this fully cooked imported Italian salami is made with smoked, dry beef, pork, and garlic. It’s absolutely delicious served warm or cold with crusty bread, cheeses, and your favorite dips. It has a strong garlic flavor with a dry-smoked flavor. All of your family and friends will love the taste.

From honey ham to smoked turkey, it’s time to experiment with new flavors and options offered by different brands. I used to only eat Boar’s Head deli meat, but these 8 brands are just as good.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©GSDesign/Shutterstock.com.

The post I Used to Only Eat Boar’s Head Deli Meat, But These 8 Brands Are Just as Good appeared first on Moms Who Think.

The work week is usually a hectic time for most of us. Busy schedules have many families running from work to school to activities like sports, dance, or academic clubs which can leave little to no time for dinner preparation. Meals become more about convenience, but ordering out every night isn't a cost-effective option. This is where frozen food comes in handy and offers a vast selection for the family, and items like frozen pizza are usually big hits.

Frozen pizza is the perfect choice. It's ideal when you're low on time, need something quick, and it's inexpensive enough that you can appease more than one palette. Cheese, pepperoni, veggies – why pick just one, when you can have a few? However, even though frozen pizza may be convenient and delicious, it isn't always the healthiest option and there are some health risks to be aware of.

Not all frozen pizzas are created equal and not all are bad for you. Yet, there are many that are high in sodium, sugar, and calories, are highly processed, and have artificial preservatives. While having a frozen pizza on occasion isn't going to hurt you, consuming frozen pizza regularly is a concern for heart health and can put you at risk for developing heart disease.

Tombstone Original 4 Meat Pizza

Nutritional information per serving (1/4 pizza):

• 370 calories
• 18 grams of fat
• 910 milligrams of sodium
• 35 grams of carbs
• 4 grams of sugar

As a meat lover's pizza, this pizza has a handful of different processed meats and is very high in calories, fats, sodium, and carbs.

DiGiorno Chicken Alfredo Pizza

Nutritional information per serving (1/4 pizza):

• 640 calories
• 23 grams of fat
• 1,280 milligrams of sodium
• 83 grams of carbs
• 11 grams of sugar

This small pizza packs a ton of calories, fat, sodium, and carbs. Topped with lots of cheese and creamy alfredo sauce, just a quarter of this pizza is over half the daily recommended amount of fat and sodium.

Screamin' Sicilian Brazen Buffalo

Nutritional information per serving (1/4 pizza):

• 330 calories
• 15 grams of fat
• 1,300 milligrams of sodium
• 31 grams of carbs

This pizza serving has the highest amount of sodium so far, so if you think one slice won't hurt, think again. One serving has 57% of your daily need for sodium.

Wegman's Bake & Rise Pizza Supreme

Nutritional information per serving (1/6 pizza)

• 360 calories
• 13 grams of fat
• 760 milligrams of sodium
• 44 grams of carbs
• 5 grams of sugar

The serving size for this pizza is smaller than the others at a sixth of the pizza. So you need to watch how many slices you eat, or the numbers will add up quickly.

California Pizza Kitchen Crispy Thin BBQ Chicken Recipe

Nutritional information per serving (1/3 pizza)

• 290 calories
• 11 grams of fat
• 640 milligrams of sodium
• 33 grams of carbs
• 9 grams of sugar

With this pizza, you get to eat a little more and not worry about adding too many more calories, fat, sodium, and carbs to your diet. The serving size is bigger at a third of a pizza. That being said, this pizza still has quite a bit of sugar and sodium.

Great Value Three Cheese Cauliflower Crust Pizza

Nutritional information per serving (1/6 pizza):

• 400 calories
• 21 grams of fat
• 830 milligrams of sodium
• 38 grams of carbs
• 3 grams of sugar

Cauliflower crust must mean this pizza is healthy, or so you'd think. But don't let that trick you. This pizza is very high in calories, fat, sodium, and carbs, and the serving size is smaller, at a sixth of the pizza.

Red Baron Classic Crust Four Cheese Pizza

Nutritional information per serving (1/4 pizza):

• 380 calories
• 17 grams of fat
• 710 milligrams of sodium
• 41 grams of carbs
• 8 grams of sugar

Just because a pizza doesn't have “any” toppings doesn't make it healthier. We see in this pizza, where cheese is the only topping, the calories, fat, sodium, and carb count are very high.

Screamin Sicilian Pizza Co. I'm Stuffed

Nutritional information per serving (1/5 pizza)

• 360 calories
• 19 grams of fat
• 770 milligrams of sodium
• 31 grams of carbs
• 3 grams of sugar

This pizza has a lot of cheese since it's used as a topping, as well as two and a half feet of cheese in its stuffed crust. Be careful with this one, as just a fifth of the pizza has 40% of the daily recommended amount of saturated fats.

DiGiorno Bacon Me Crazy Pizza

Nutritional information per serving (1/4 pizza)

• 410 calories
• 21 grams of fat
• 920 milligrams of sodium
• 34 grams of carbs
• 3 grams of sugar

Yes, this pizza might have high protein content with the bacon as a topping, but its saturated fat content is very high and should be avoided.

Red Baron Fully Loaded Pepperoni Pizza

Nutritional information per serving (1/6 pizza):

• 390 calories
• 19 grams of fat
• 680 milligrams of sodium
• 38 grams of carbs
• 7 grams of sugar

This pizza is another option that is high in saturated fat. About 50% of its fat content is saturated fat, which is also almost half of the daily recommended amount.

Celeste Pizza For One Sausage and Pepperoni

Nutritional information per serving (whole pizza)

• 400 calories
• 20 grams of fat
• 890 milligrams of sodium
• 47 grams of carbs
• 3 grams of sugar

A small pizza for one should have fewer calories but that's not always the case. This small pizza has just as many calories, fat, sodium, and carbs as the servings of the other pizzas. But this pizza will ensure you won't overindulge because once it's gone, it's gone.

Freschetta Naturally Rising Crust Four Cheese Pizza

Nutritional information per serving (1/5 pizza)

• 370 calories
• 14 grams of fat
• 800 milligrams of sodium
• 48 grams of carbs
• 9 grams of sugar

The four cheese pizzas really add to the calorie and fat count. Sadly, although cheese is delicious, too much cheese increases the saturated fat content, which can become unsafe.

Tombstone Original Supreme Pizza

Nutritional information per serving (1/4 pizza)

• 350 calories
• 17 grams of fat
• 770 milligrams of sodium
• 35 grams of carbs
• 4 grams of sugar

Although this pizza has some healthy toppings like onions, peppers, and olives, it's high in sodium and saturated fats due to the additional processed meats.

Banquet Pizza Double Stuffed Pepperoni

Nutritional information per serving (1 slice):

• 460 calories
• 22 grams of fat
• 1,300 milligrams of sodium
• 44 grams of carbs
• 5 grams of sugar

This pizza isn't a full pizza, but two slices of double-stuffed pizza. But just because there are two, doesn't mean you should eat both. This pizza has a dangerously high sodium count, and eating both would get you halfway to your daily calories and over the daily sodium limit in just one meal.

Tombstone 5 Cheese Pizza

Nutritional information per serving (1/4 pizza)

• 370 calories
• 18 grams of fat
• 740 milligrams of sodium
• 33 grams of carbs
• 4 grams of sugar

This pizza is another cheese culprit. It's made with a third of a pound of cheddar, mozzarella, asiago, romano, and parmesan cheese. And although it's tasty and delicious, just a quarter of the pizza contains almost half the daily recommended amount of saturated fat.

Kirkland Pepperoni Pizza

Nutritional information per serving (1/4 pizza)

• 400 calories
• 24 grams of fat
• 990 milligrams of sodium
• 29 grams of carbs
• 5 grams of sugar

For all the Costco lovers, beware. Their pizza might be delicious, but it has the highest amount of fat and saturated fats of all these pizzas. And although you can get more for less money-wise at Costco, ensure you get quality as well and opt for a healthier option than this pizza.

Stouffer's French Bread Three Meat Pizza

Nutritional information per serving (one pizza):

• 460 calories
• 25 grams of fat
• 1,070 milligrams of sodium
• 40 grams of carb
• 5 grams of sugar

Often, we think a smaller meal means fewer calories. This is not true, especially when it comes to these French bread pizzas. With the extra bread content, variety of meat toppings, and cheese, the calorie, fat, sodium, and carb count on these pizzas add up very quickly.

Instead of buying one of these pizzas, you can always try making your own. It isn't as hard as you may think.

White Pizza Recipe

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Ingredients

1 unbaked pizza crust
2 Tablespoons butter, melted
1 Tablespoon olive oil
3 Tablespoons minced garlic
2 Tablespoons sun-dried tomato pesto
1 teaspoon dried basil leaves
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 Tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
1 tomato, sliced
1 bunch fresh spinach, torn
1 sweet onion, sliced
1 fresh jalapeno pepper, chopped
1 (6 ounce) package feta cheese, crumbled

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven according to pizza crust package directions.

2. In a small bowl combine butter, olive oil, garlic, pesto, basil, oregano and Parmesan cheese.

3. Spread mixture evenly on pizza crust.

4. Arrange tomato, spinach, onion and jalapeno on pizza.

5. Top with crumbled feta cheese.

6. Bake according to pizza crust package directions.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©DronG/Shutterstock.com.

The post The Most Unhealthy Frozen Pizzas You Can Eat appeared first on Moms Who Think.

When it comes to snacking, the United States leads the world with the habit that is believed to be deeply ingrained in our culture. The country the highest revenue generated in the snack food market globally, and according to a 2024 IFIC Food & Health Survey, 74% of Americans snack at least one time per day. It seems as though everywhere we turn, there's a temptation to snack. Grocery stores, convenience marts, and even many clothing stores have snacks at the register.

Stores aren't alone. Companies spend billions each year on marketing that promotes unhealthy snacks. And most snacks are made convenient and easily accessible for busy, working families which makes them even more appealing. But many of these snacks are extremely unhealthy and are loaded with sugar. Research has found that sugar can be highly addictive too, making consumption of these snacks a hard habit to break.

This article will dig deep into what makes some of these items the unhealthiest kids' snacks and what options to choose instead.  

The Unhealthiest Kids' Snacks and What to Choose Instead

It is essential to start our children on a great path while they are young toward developing a healthy relationship with food. These simple ideas may help you implement healthy habits with your children:

• Do not food shame. Instead, offer healthier alternatives. 
• Talk openly about nutrition and how it affects our bodies, such as “protein helps us become strong.” 
• Develop routines around eating habits.
• Eat meals together.
• Model healthy eating habits by being choosy about your snacks. 
• If you have time, prepare healthy snacks and meals ahead.
• Involve your child in preparing healthy snacks or picking them out at the grocery store.

Now, let's look at some of the unhealthiest kids' snacks and what to choose instead. 

1. Soda

Soda is very popular. In fact, over half of adults in America drink at least one soda a day. Regarding unhealthy snacks for our kids, soda tops the list. These drinks are loaded with empty calories, and sugar, and have little nutritional value. Excessive soda may contribute to adverse health issues in the long run, including insulin sensitivity and risk of type 2 diabetes. 

Even worse? Soda is highly addictive. The extra sugar sends messages to our brains to release dopamine, which gives us instant pleasure and leads to the desire for more and more soda. 

Healthy Alternative: Water

One of the healthiest alternatives to any sugary drinks is water. It keeps us hydrated and has no added sugars or unwanted additives. Teaching children how to drink water while young is always a good idea. The sooner they learn the habit, the easier it will be to carry it into adulthood. 

2. Fruit Juice 

Fruit juice is a healthier choice than soda. Most fruit juice contains vitamins and minerals vital for growth, including potassium. 

However, some brands and types of juice still contain loads of sugar. Juice, on average, has between 20-26 grams of sugar in each cup. Therefore, if you want to watch the sugar content in your child's beverage, try limiting the amount of juice they drink or give a healthier alternative. 

Healthy Alternative: Almond or Coconut Milk Smoothie With Fresh Fruits and Vegetables 

If your child loves vegetables, try giving them vegetable juice, which is lower in sugar. Additionally, unsweetened almond or coconut milk is also lower in sugar. Try making a fresh fruit or vegetable smoothie with these two drink choices. Your child may prefer the smoothie over juice boxes! 

3. Sweets like Cakes and Donuts

Sweets are all around us. This can be difficult if you and your child have a sweet tooth. Eating cakes, donuts, or sweets like Little Debbies or Hostess occasionally will not necessarily destroy health. When consumed daily, there can be adverse effects with all the added sugar, calories, and high fructose corn syrup. 

Healthy Alternative: Overnight Oats or Oatmeal Muffins

One way to satisfy a sweet tooth is by eating oats instead. Oats have several essential nutrients that are great for our bodies. These include fiber, which keeps us fuller longer. Additionally, oats also have iron, zinc, calcium, and more. Offering overnight oats for breakfast or healthy oatmeal muffins as an after-school snack are healthier choices. 

4. Fruit Snacks

Fruit snacks are easy. This is one reason kids and parents love them. Although quick and easy, fruit snacks can also be high in sugar, have long ingredient lists, and add dyes such as Red 40. While the dyes in the fruit snacks are FDA-approved, some parents raise concerns about this particular dye because it may be linked to certain negative behaviors in children, migraines, and allergies. 

Healthy Alternative: Fresh Fruit 

Fresh fruit is always the better option. Fruit can help children feel fuller while taking in essential nutrients like fiber, vitamin C, folate, and potassium. While fruit does contain natural sugar, eating a diet that involves fresh fruit can lower the risk of certain conditions such as heart disease or type 2 diabetes. 

5. Yogurt Tubes 

Yogurt tubes are fun for kids and easy for adults. Of course, yogurt is a healthier option for us. However, it depends on the type that we eat. Many yogurt tubes contain unnecessary ingredients and too much sugar. 

Yoplait Go-Gurt has 21 grams of sugar in each tube, which is still quite a bit, especially if a child eats more than one tube. Therefore, if your child enjoys sugar, choose healthier yogurt. 

Healthy Alternative: Greek Yogurt

A healthy alternative to yogurt tubes is Greek Yogurt. Yoplait Greek Protein Yogurt contains less sodium and sugar and more protein. Additionally, greek yogurt includes plenty of nutrients such as calcium and vitamins D and A.

6. Lunchables

Lunchables are a favorite among kids. They contain crackers, cheese, and meat, so they should be healthy, right? Yet, the ingredient list is extensive. Additionally, Lunchables can be high in sodium, cholesterol, and saturated fat. 

Healthy Alternative: Do It Yourself Bento Boxes

If your child loves Lunchables, make your own with a bento box. You can be in charge of the ingredients, crackers, meat, and cheese added to the bento box. You can also include fresh fruits and vegetables, making a healthier version of this kid's favorite. 

What's even better? You can control the amount of cholesterol and sodium in your child's bento box by being picky about the items you add. 

7. Potato Chips

Potato chips are highly addictive. Many of the popular versions have low nutritional value and high calories. Additionally, they can be high in trans fats and contain acrylamide. These can have adverse health effects, such as increasing the risk of inflammation. 

Healthy Alternative: Kale or Sweet Potato Chips or Sun Chips in Moderation

If your child enjoys the crunch of potato chips, opt for a healthier version, such as sun chips, which are lower in fat. If you want to go even healthier, kale or sweet potato chips can be made at home and are full of essential nutrients while low in fat. 

8. Goldfish or Packaged Snacks

Goldfish, as well as packaged snacks, do not contain a ton of essential nutrients. They can also be higher in sodium. Therefore, try choosing a healthier alternative that packs plenty of nutrition. 

Healthy Alternative: Homemade Trail Mix

Knowing which one is worth buying can take much work regarding prepackaged snacks. There are some healthier versions to choose from. Nevertheless, making your homemade trail mix as a quick snack can help you keep an eye on alternative ingredients, sodium content, and more. 

9. Ice Cream

Ice cream is a fun and favorite sweet treat for kids. Nonetheless, it is something that should be eaten only sometimes. Depending on the type of ice cream and flavors, it can be high in fat, sugar, cholesterol, and sodium. It also has very little nutritional value. 

Therefore, try a healthy alternative if your child has a sweet tooth. 

Healthy Alternative: Frozen Yogurt

Frozen yogurt is a healthier alternative to ice cream. Yet, it can still be high in sugar. However, the lactose content may be low enough for those with lactose intolerance to eat, and it has lower calories and fat content than ice cream, making it a healthy choice. 

Other Unhealthy Snacks to Avoid

While the above list contains the most common unhealthy foods, there are still many others you may want to consider. Here are 11 more snacks that you may want to limit or avoid altogether:

10. Cereal bars
11. Protein bars
12. Popcorn
13. Chocolate
14. Cereal
15. Pop-Tarts
16. Pretzels
17. Processed veggie chips
18. Pudding
19. Cookies
20. Pizza pockets
21. Peanut butter
22. Store-bought smoothies

One Last Note

Many unhealthy snacks for your kids are on the market today. They are full of sugar, fat content, empty calories, and offer little nutritional value. Teaching our kids how to make wise choices and develop a healthy relationship with food is a skill they can carry into adulthood. 

Looking for a recipe that uses fresh fruit? Try this great fruit salad.

Healthy Fruit Salad Recipe

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Ingredients

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• 2 cups fresh seedless grapes, whole or cut depending on size
• 4 cups melon balls, cantaloupe, or honeydew
• 4 cups nectarines or peaches, peeled & sliced
• 2 cups fresh blueberries
• 2 cups fresh strawberries
• 2 cups fresh pineapple chunks
• 1 cup sliced kiwi fruit

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Instructions

1. Combine all fruits and chill.
2. Serve with cool whip if desired.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©Ekaterina Pokrovsky/Shutterstock.com.

The post The Unhealthiest Kids’ Snacks and What to Choose Instead appeared first on Moms Who Think.

The United States is often thought of as a fast-food nation. The country has a reputation for being fast-food-obsessed. According to data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, as reported to the CDC, during a 3-year period, 36.6% of Americans ate fast food on a given day.

As of 2023, there are more than 200,000 fast-food establishments in the U.S. With Americans busier than ever, having options for quick and easy meals is key, which is why the industry has been so successful. Thanks to its affordability, accessibility, and convenience, people continue to opt to have it their way but don’t always look at the nutrition facts. These health statistics are shocking.

Pick Carefully

When you look at a menu, have you ever wondered what the most unhealthy item is at Burger King? Many fast food chains around the U.S. are known for their easy-to-order food items and their no-so-great ingredients.

However, certain menu items pack more of a calorie punch than others and should be avoided if possible. While enjoying fast food on occasion is not bad, after all, everything in moderation is key, certain things should remain off the list.

What’s Inside

Many of these menu items are often full of unhealthy fats, with high levels of sodium, significant carbohydrates, calories, and added sugars. Get to know which are the unhealthiest, and the healthiest menu items. This will help you streamline your order at fast-food chains.

The Rundown

In this slideshow, we’ll break down the worst offenders on the Burger King menu. Learn a bit more about this classic American food chain. And get a better idea of what menu items to avoid. We’ll talk about the nutritional profile of each of the unhealthiest items, as well as the recommended nutritional numbers to consider.

The History of Burger King

Founded in Miami, Florida in 1954, Burger King, known for the Whopper burger, became a national chain in the 1960s. In the modern day, Burger King has some 14,000 stores around the world. Second to McDonald’s, it was acquired by the Pillsbury Dough Company in 1967. This is when its menu expanded and it was further franchised.

Today’s Hits

Modern-day Burger King menu includes numerous variations on the original Whopper. They serve hot dogs, breakfast sandwiches, sides, and sweets. They have a very handy nutritional counter on their website that lists calorie info.

The Most Unhealthy Items At Burger King

Now that you know some of the history of this food chain, let’s get into the most unhealthy items at Burger King. Let’s break down the nutritional profile of some of the brand’s biggest “calorie bombs.”

7. Double Sausage, Egg & Cheese Biscuit Sandwich

Let’s check out this particular Burger King breakfast sandwich. This sandwich has 852.9 calories, which increases to 882 if you order the croissant bun instead of a biscuit. It has 29.6 grams of fat, 2,526.1 milligrams of sodium, and 34.3 grams of carbohydrates. In this sandwich, you’ll find 33.3 grams of protein and 3.6 grams of sugar. Probably not the best way to start your day.

6. Spicy BK Royal Crispy Chicken Sandwich

Clocking in at 760 calories, the Spicy BK Royal Crispy Chicken Sandwich has 47 grams of total fat, 58 grams of carbohydrates, and 34 grams of protein (via Nutritionix). As for sodium levels, this sandwich takes the cake with 1,580 milligrams of sodium per serving. Between the breading, the sauce, the bun, and the meat, this is one sandwich to avoid eating frequently.

5. Bacon and Swiss BK Royal Crispy Chicken Sandwich

Moving onto chicken sandwiches, let’s take a look at the Bacon and Swiss BK Royal Crispy Chicken sandwich. This one has a lower calorie count than the burgers on this list but still has 820 calories per serving. It has 48 grams of total fat, 2,170 milligrams of sodium, 57 grams of carbohydrates, and 47 grams of protein.

Remember the recommended daily sodium intake? One Bacon and Swiss BK Royal Crispy Chicken sandwich pretty much covers it for both male and female adults.

4. Texas Double Whopper Burger

The Texas Double Whopper Burger contains around 1,400 calories according to Carb Manager. It has 50 grams of carbohydrates, 56 grams of protein, and 1770 milligrams of sodium per serving. Originally only available in Texas, Burger King rolled out the sandwich nationwide in 2021 (via Fast Food Post).

Combined with Burger King’s sides, and maybe a sweet treat, you’re ordering a serious calorie bomb with the Texas Double Whopper Burger.

3. Bacon King Burger

The Bacon King Burger has all kinds of fat and protein content. This burger features two Angus beef patties and strips of smoked bacon. It has 1,087 calories, only slightly fewer than the previous burger. In this option, you’ll find 59.6 grams of protein and 48.7 grams of carbohydrates. It has 10.6 grams of sugar, 6,500 milligrams of sodium (way over the daily recommended intake), and a whole lot of fat content.

2. Triple Whopper Burger

Next up, is the Triple Whopper Burger. With a similar three-patty makeup it clocks in at 1,108 calories. It has 47.5 grams of carbohydrates, 11.7 grams of sugar, and 76.2 grams of protein. This burger has 68.4 grams of fat, 24.4 grams of saturated fat, and 2.4 grams of trans fat. And it’s important to note the 1,117 milligrams of sodium.

That is nearly half the recommended daily amount of 2,300 milligrams (via the FDA). So, you’re getting a high dose of calories, and about half the recommended dose of daily sodium, from a single order of the Triple Whopper Burger.

1. Triple Stacker XL Burger

Let us introduce you to the Triple Stacker XL Burger from Burger King. This singular burger contains a whopping 1,132 calories per serving size. It has 51 grams of carbohydrates and 9.7 grams of sugar. It has 69 grams of fat, 33 grams of saturated fat, and 78 grams of protein. So you’re bound to get your protein fix from this burger.

Keep in mind that the recommended daily calorie total is 2,000 for females and 2,500 for males. One of these burgers will get you really close to that total, in just one meal, without sides, or anything particularly that good for you.

Healthier Options at Burger King

So, now that you know what not to order, especially if you’re counting your calories, let’s take a look at some healthier options. Web MD lists Burger King’s “Original Chicken Sandwich,” among the healthiest of their menu items. It has 660 calories, around 40 grams of fat, and is lower in saturated, and trans fats.

Healthline recommends small orders of Burger King’s breakfast items, including their french toast sticks, hashbrowns, and their croissant, egg, and cheese sandwich. A simple, non-Whopper, hamburger only has 240 calories per serving, and their four-piece chicken nuggets only have 170 calories.

How you order, and what kinds of sauces, or sides you pair your order with, definitely impact the overall nutritional profile of your Burger King experience. There are absolutely ways to focus on the healthier menu items at a restaurant chain of this kind, starting with knowing which calorie bombs to avoid.

According to Women’s Health Magazine, nutritionists recommend the veggie burger, the grilled chicken garden salad, and the grilled chicken sandwich. You can also opt for a side salad with your single-patty hamburger, or go for a small fry instead of a medium. It’s all about knowing how to work the menu.

The next time you go to Burger King, you’ll be well set up to order in a way that best fits your health goals. Whether it’s ordering a high-calorie sandwich and planning healthier meals around that, or picking the lower-calorie option to start, you can definitely make the menu options at Burger King work for you.

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The post The Shocking Calorie Count of This Popular Fast Food Item appeared first on Moms Who Think.

When it comes to food, most of us have a fairly decent sense of what items are healthy and which ones we should avoid. This doesn't necessarily mean that we always make the best meal choices and when it comes to eating out, especially in a nation known as the birthplace of fast food, the options aren't always ideal.

One of the most popular fast food chains is McDonald's, which opened in the 1950s and has become synonymous with the United States, but it's not a place you typically visit when you're looking for healthy options. This doesn't mean that the fast food behemoth has no healthy offerings. On the contrary. Just like every restaurant, there are good options on the McDonald’s menu, you just need to know what to look for.

In this post, you’ll learn about McDonald's history and how its menu has evolved, and you'll get a better idea about some of the worst choices on the current menu. You'll also know more about what are considered “healthy” items.

The History of McDonald’s Fast Food Chain

McDonald’s was started by Dick and Mac McDonald. The brothers hailed from New England but moved to California. They were off to seek their fortunes in the burger business after a failed stint in the movie industry.

They opened a restaurant in the late 1940s with a walk-up window and hamburgers for only 15 cents. The service was remarkably fast and was coined the “Speedee Service System.” This thriving system led to the opening of more stores around the state of California.

Their San Bernadino location was the first menu to also feature shakes and french fries. In 1954, entrepreneur and salesman Ray Kroc visited a local McDonald's and had a vision for its future. He became their official franchise agent in 1955.

The first McDonald’s outside of California opened in April of that year. By 1967, Krock had franchised McDonald’s into Canada, and Puerto Rico (via McDonald’s). As of 2022, there are over forty thousand McDonald’s worldwide. 

The First Menu Options

The San Bernadino location was the first location to include items like French fries and milkshakes alongside 15-cent hamburgers. Burger prices have definitely gone up with inflation. What did the menu once look like in terms of healthy options?

According to Fox News, the original McDonald’s menu featured the classic cheeseburger/hamburger options. They also served French fries, soft drinks, milkshakes, and an apple pie dessert. Let it be known that the recipes of the 1950s aren’t known for their emphasis on health.

Still, there likely weren’t as many processed ingredients in the burgers, milkshakes, or desserts back then. A hamburger might have around 250 calories, while fries were around 100. The apple pie might’ve clocked in around 250. The milkshakes were the unhealthiest option with lots of fat and a caloric content of around 530. How do these compare to the modern menu?

The Current McDonald’s Menu: Unhealthiest Options Edition

For all these menu items, keep in mind that the American Heart Association recommends a daily cap of 1,500 milligrams of sodium for grown adults. Anything that’s “doubled” on the menu, you can count on having a high-calorie count. Like a double quarter pounder, or a double cheeseburger. 

Starting with a milkshake, compared to the original, the new McDonald’s milkshakes can contain almost twice as many calories. A 16-ounce McFlurry with M&Ms comes in at a whopping 930 calories. A large chocolate shake is 850 calories (via Insider). What are the most unhealthy items at McDonald's?

Menu Breakdown

1. The number one, across-the-board, unhealthiest item to order is the Big Breakfast With Hotcakes. This meal has 1,350 calories to its name. It also has 65 grams of fat, 48 milligrams of sugar, and 2,100 milligrams of sodium.
2. Next up we have the Double Bacon Smokehouse Burger. This meal is made up of two beef patties, bacon, cheddar, fried onions, and bacon onion sauce. The whole thing contains 1,130 calories, 1,920 milligrams of sodium, and 67 grams of fat.
3. For another fat-heavy meal, enter the Bacon Smokehouse Buttermilk Crispy Chicken Sandwich. This is a buttermilk-breaded fried chicken with the same ingredients as the burger above. It has 920 calories, 45 grams of fat, and 1,980 grams of sodium.
4. Chicken McNuggets clock in at 890 calories, with 53 grams of fat, and 1,680 mg of sodium. They equal around four servings of french fries. 
5. A Cheeseburger Happy Meal contains a classic cheeseburger, fries, and a soda. It contains around 850 calories, not including the sugar and calories from the soda. 
6. The Six-Piece Buttermilk Chicken Tenders may seem harmless but the fact that they are fried impacts their overall health profile. Not to mention they actually pack a punch of 2,040 milligrams of sodium. This is higher than the bacon-wrapped Smokehouse burger. This is by far one of the most unhealthy items at McDonald's.
7. And for one more example, the Big Breakfast which features scrambled eggs, hashbrowns, a sausage patty, and a biscuit. It has 750 calories, 1,490 milligrams of sodium, and 49 grams of fat. 

The list could absolutely go on, but the main takeaway is that the modern menu features a lot of items with a high-calorie count and significant fat content. All of most unhealthy items at McDonald's are well over the recommended sodium levels for grown adults. 

The Current McDonald’s Menu: Healthiest Options Edition

Moving onto the healthier options, McDonald’s has increased its options in terms of vegetarian, keto, and other restriction-friendly options. They also have some breakfast foods that are actually healthy, compared to everything else that is (via Shape).

Menu Breakdown

Breakfast Options

• There’s fruit and maple oatmeal, which can be made even healthier if you forgo the brown sugar and raisin topping options. 
• The sausage burrito contains scrambled eggs, pork sausage, vegetables, and scrambled eggs. It provides protein and a good dose of vitamins and minerals. However, like other unhealthier menu items, it does have a high level of sodium, which is good to keep in mind before ordering (via Healthline).
• The egg biscuit is a good source of protein (11 grams) and iron. It is also vegetarian.
• McDonald’s does sell items like apple slices and a carton of 1 percent low-fat milk. In terms of calorie count and protein/fiber, these are great sides.

Meal Options

• A plain hamburger is actually only 250 calories and has 12 grams of protein. Just avoid the added cheese, and maybe trade out fries for a healthier side option. 
• The filet-o-fish is a fried option, but it also contains omega-3 fatty acids, 2 grams of fiber, and 16 grams of protein. This meal clocks in at about 390 calories, and only 580 milligrams of sodium which is well within the American Heart Association’s recommended cap of 1,500 milligrams per day (via Health.com).
• For a keto-friendly option, try the Quarter Pounder with Cheese Deluxe without any sauces. This is a high-protein option, but it still contains a lot of sodium, saturated, and trans fats, so it should not be a staple of anyone’s keto diet. 

Essentially while there are vegetarian, keto, and generally healthier options available on the McDonald’s menu, you still need to be conscientious of how these ingredients translate. Most of these “healthy” options need to be ordered without sauces or specific toppings. That's the easiest way for them to actually be the healthiest version of a meal.

Others that provide a high dose of protein, or general nutrients are also full of added sodium, sugar, and unhealthy fats. McDonald’s has remained popular because it is accessible, affordable, and, yes, quite tasty. But if you’re ordering the healthy options on the menu, keep in mind that even these options should be eaten in moderation.

And that’s the nutritional truth of the golden arches of the McDonald’s empire!

The image featured at the top of this post is ©Gargantiopa/Shutterstock.com.

The post The Worst Choices at McDonald’s and What You Should Get Instead appeared first on Moms Who Think.

The United States is renowned for many incredible things from technological innovation to having one of the world's largest economies to having a global cultural impact. These are all positive attributions. Unfortunately, when it comes to food, its reputation is well-known for a different reason. The American diet is often famous for being rather unhealthy, highly processed, and loaded with harmful additives, as evidenced by these foods you can only find in the U.S.

One of the many foods that come under fire is Fruit Loops, a cereal that contains red 40 and blue 1, synthetic food dyes linked to health issues like allergic reactions and potential links to hyperactivity. The colored cereal also contains BHT, a chemical preservative, major food allergens like wheat, and ingredients that may be genetically engineered. New legislation in the state of California has banned the use of these dyes.

Americans don't seem to be bothered by the chemicals they may be ingesting, either because they aren't aware or perhaps they don't see a risk. However, in countries outside the United States, many of these harmful foods are banned because of their chemicals and additives.

You may wonder how foods are safe in the U.S. if other countries have banned them, and if these foods listed here are even safe to eat. To better understand why these foods you can only find in the U.S. are banned in various other countries, let's review each item and see what makes them unhealthy.

Coffee Mate Creamer

While a popular coffee creamer in the United States, Coffee-Mate includes partially hydrogenated oils. These include soybean and cottonseed oil, which have high levels of trans fats that have been linked to possible heart disease. In fact, according to the Mayo Clinic, studies have shown that trans fat can lead to an increased risk of heart attack, type 2 diabetes, strokes, and increased cholesterol levels.

Coffee Mate is currently banned in many European countries including Austria, Switzerland, Denmark, Hungary, and Norway.

Skittles

Invented in 1974, Skittles are a popular candy for kids and adults. However, this candy includes artificial dyes like yellow 5 (tartrazine), yellow 6, and red 40. Even though many of these dyes have been linked to hyperactivity in children, their consumption has increased by more than 500% in recent years according to Healthline. Healthline also reports that while more studies need to be done, these dyes are potentially linked to cancer-causing issues as well.

Interestingly, Skittles were first invented in the UK before making their way to the United States in 1979. Today, though, this candy is banned in many European countries, like Austria. Additionally, the UK has rules that require any manufacturer that uses these artificial dyes to include a warning label on their products.

Milk with Growth Hormones

Most milk produced in the United States is healthy and a great source of protein and calcium. However, some producers have an added unhealthy growth hormone called rBGH to this dairy product. While this growth hormone is given to dairy-producing cows to help them produce more milk, it's also a synthetic, man-made hormone that can lead to cancer.

The American Cancer Society reports that humans who consume rBGH can have increased levels of IGF-1. This is a growth hormone that's thought to increase the risk of cancer.

Many countries in the EU and Canada have banned milk produced with rBGH.

Gatorade

In the U.S., Gatorade is a popular sports drink. While this drink does have electrolytes, some varieties also contain harmful dyes, similar to Skittles. Additionally, the drink used to contain brominated vegetable oil, which is illegal in many countries in the European Union and Japan. Once this ingredient was removed, some countries allowed it to be sold again.

However, many flavors of this sports drink contain harmful dyes like yellow 5 and yellow 6. As we learned from Skittles, these artificial dyes can be harmful to humans, especially children. For this reason, Gatorade is banned in countries like Austria and Norway.

Ritz Crackers

Similar to Coffee Mate, Ritz crackers are banned in some countries because they're manufactured with partially hydrogenated cottonseed oil. While this trans fat is often added to foods to help increase their shelf life, we know that it can also increase the risk of heart-related issues.

It's important to note that Ritz cracker nutrition labels report 0g of trans fat per serving. But how can this be true if the ingredient list includes partially hydrogenated oils and these crackers are banned in other countries? According to the FDA, any food item that has 0.5 grams or less can be reported as 0g on the label. Other countries, however, don't allow any amount of trans fat in products, thus leading to the ban on Ritz crackers.

Various Types of Cereal

Some types of cereal are banned in other countries due to potentially harmful additives. For example, Froot Loops contains those pesky food dyes we've discussed. Other cereals like Frosted Flakes and Honey Bunches of Oats contain an added chemical called butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT). While BHT is used as a flavor enhancer and to increase shelf life, it's also been linked to organ issues.

Because of BHT, many cereals are banned throughout the UK, Japan, and other European countries. While the FDA still reports that in small amounts there is no risk to consuming BHT, a few tests have shown that it can lead to carcinogenic effects and other health-related issues.

Little Debbie Swiss Cake Rolls

Even though Little Debbie Swiss Cake Rolls appear brown and white, these snacks still contain food dye additives, making them banned in other countries like Norway and Austria. Some other countries in Europe allow them, but they must have a warning label on them due to the use of yellow 5 and red 40.

Additionally, it's worth noting that other snack items like Hostess's Twinkies are also banned from some countries in the EU. While yellow 5 isn't an issue in the United States, many European countries either don't allow them or market them with warnings.

Stove Top Stuffing

While Stove Top stuffing is popular in the United States, especially around Thanksgiving, the food item is known to contain BHA (beta-hydroxy acid) and BHT. It's also worth noting that instant mashed potatoes contain some of the same ingredients. The National Library of Medicine reports that these additives can lead to blood and organ issues. These additives have also been linked to skin irritations.

As a result, Stove Top is banned in the UK, Japan, and other countries in Europe.

Citrus Sodas

One citrus soda in particular, Sun Drop, manufactured by the Dr. Pepper group, contains brominated vegetable oil. BVO is used as an additive to sodas to keep the flavors from separating. While this can enhance the flavor, studies have shown that BVO can affect our central nervous system, causing headaches and memory loss. It can also be a skin irritant.

Environmental Working Group reports that until recently, BVO could be found in many different sodas including Mountain Dew. While many soda producers have removed BVO from their beverages, you can still find it in Sun Drop. BVO is currently banned in Japan and throughout the EU.

Chicken and Farmed Salmon

How different types of meat are processed can vary from country to country. In the United States, items like chlorinated chicken and farmed salmon are ok, while they are banned in many countries in the EU.

To keep chicken from carrying foodborne illnesses like salmonella, it's often washed with chlorine when processed. This practice is banned in the UK and is often seen as unhealthy and unwise. SoilAssociation.org states that chlorinated chicken became banned in 1997, and the ban doesn't look to be lifted anytime soon.

Additionally, farmed salmon in the U.S. are fed chemicals in their food to enhance their color. BeyondPesicides.org reports that some of the chemicals include polybrominated diphenyl ethers, polychlorinated biphenyl, and dioxin, to name a few. Countries like New Zealand and Australia ban farmed salmon from the U.S. and only choose to eat fresh, wild-caught salmon.

Final Thoughts

While many of these foods are marked as safe in the United States by the FDA, they could still lead to health-related issues. More testing needs to be done, but when it comes to making healthy choices, you may want to consider staying away from synthetic additives and colorful dyes. Also, consider purchasing whole foods that don't contain potentially harmful preservatives to lengthen shelf life.

As a helpful resource, the Environmental Working Group has created a list of 12 chemicals to consider avoiding. Additionally, keeping the mantra “everything in moderation” can help you enjoy special treats without overindulging.

If you'd like to enjoy a recipe with fresh, wild-caught salmon from a sustainable source, try the recipe below.

Salmon Noodle Bowl

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• Author: Moms Who Think
• Total Time: 25 minutes

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If there are two things that go together well, it’s salmon and noodles. Salmon is light and airy, and it is perfectly complemented by noodles which add a bit of weight to the dish without overpowering it.

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Ingredients

• 1 (9 ounce) package refrigerated fettuccine
• 1 pound skinless, boneless 1-inch thick salmon fillet, cut into 8 pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 6 cups packaged fresh baby spinach
• 1/2 cup bottled roasted red or yellow sweet peppers
• 1/2 cup garlic-stuffed green olives, coarsely chopped
• 1/2 cup reduced-calorie balsamic vinaigrette salad dressing

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Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package directions.
2. Meanwhile, brush fish with 1 tablespoon of the olive oil. Sprinkle lightly with salt and black pepper.
3. Heat a very large skillet over medium heat. Add fish to hot skillet; cook for 8 to 12 minutes or until fish begins to flake when tested with a fork, turning once halfway through cooking. Remove fish from skillet; cover and keep warm.
4. Add spinach, roasted peppers, olives, and the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to skillet; cook and stir for 1 to 2 minutes or just until spinach is wilted.
5. Drain pasta; add to skillet.
6. Add dressing; toss to coat. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
7. Divide pasta mixture among 4 shallow bowls; top with fish.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes

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The post Foods You Can Only Find in the US appeared first on Moms Who Think.

Fast food restaurants aren't typically associated with healthy dining, and most of us know that when we want healthy food options, these aren't the places we usually go to get our health fix. But sometimes we don't have any other dining choices and must make do with certain establishments. Taco Bell is often considered one of the healthier fast-food chains, but that doesn't mean everything on the menu gets the healthy seal of approval.

Like any restaurant, several items at Taco Bell are still high in sodium levels, calories, fats, carbohydrates, processed, and unnecessary ingredients. You may want to enjoy your meal of cheesy goodness but make sure you're mindful of the nutritional profile of a few particular calorie bombs and learn about many of the healthier items available at this fast food chain. 

To help you make better food choices, Moms Who Think delves into the history of this fast-food chain, and breaks down the unhealthiest menu items at Taco Bell by reviewing their nutritional profile. Learn what menu items should be avoided and the ones that make better choices that provide healthy fats, reasonable calories, and acceptable sodium levels.

The History of Taco Bell

Taco Bell was inspired by Mitla Cafe, a San Bernadino, California-based cafe that sold hard-shell tacos for great prices. This cafe was opened in 1937 right off Route 66, which made it a great destination for travelers. In 1951, Glenn Bell, a frequent Mitla customer, decided to expand the menu and mass-produce Mitla's delicious hard shell tacos. He adopted a fast-food model similar to McDonald's, which had opened only a few miles away from Mitla cafe (via BBC).

The very first Taco Bell was opened in 1964 and began immediate franchising. According to Statista, modern-day Taco Bell has over 8,000 restaurants, worldwide. It continues to be a main player in the fast-food scene, with a hugely expanded menu from those first hard-shell tacos, reward programs, mobile ordering, and so much more (via Taco Bell).

The Most Unhealthy Taco Bell Foods

1. Double Steak Grilled Cheese Burrito

Starting off with the Double Steak Grilled Cheese Burrito which clocks in at 920 calories. It has 44 grams of total fat, with 18 grams of saturated fat. While it does deliver 40 grams of protein, it also has 7 grams of sugar, 91 grams of carbohydrates, and a whopping 2,170 milligrams of sodium. For the remainder of this list, it's good to know that the recommended daily sodium intake for adults is around 2,300 milligrams. So, this single menu item from Taco Bell pretty much covers all the salt you'll need.

2. Nachos BellGrande

Next up, we have the Nachos BellGrande. Anything with “grande” in the title, for many fast food chains, you can expect a double dose of unhealthy ingredients. This item has 730 calories to its name, with 38 grams of total fat, 81 grams of carbohydrates, and 1,130 milligrams of sodium. That's around half the recommended daily intake.

While 730 calories may not seem like the highest number, these nachos are topped with fatty, salty beef, cheese sauce, and other unhealthy toppings. According to Yahoo, nutritionists consider this one of the worst Taco Bell food items because it has such a high carbohydrate and saturated fat content. These ingredients can lead to more cravings and overeating.

3. Fiesta Taco Salad

While this item does feature the term “salad,” let's take a look at what's actually included in the Fiesta Taco Salad. Clocking in at 340 calories, much lower than the previous two items, this has 17 grams of total fat, 28 grams of carbohydrates, and 910 milligrams of sodium. What makes the list about this “salad,” is that it's actually closer to a crunchy beef taco, with a larger shell, and more toppings.

One thing to remember for all of these unhealthy Taco Bell items is that additions can work for you, and against you. Adding vegetables or forgoing sour cream and meat for more rice and beans can up the nutritional profile. Adding cheese, extra meat, sauces, or other sodium-saturated toppings will do the opposite of help. That's why knowing what kinds of things to look out for is so important.

4. The Grande Scrambler Breakfast Burrito

Now we have the Grande Scrambler Breakfast Burrito, which is essentially a burrito packed with ingredients. This burrito, without meat, has 580 calories, 64 grams of carbohydrates, 29 grams of fat, and 17 grams of protein. But of course, its sodium count clocks in at 1,230 milligrams. What a salty way to start your morning! Keep in mind those numbers apply without the addition of meat, so adding beef to your Grande Scrambler Breakfast Burrito is sure to up those numbers, in not the best of ways.

5. Cheesy Gordita Crunch

Next up, the Cheesy Gordita Crunch. This item features a flatbread base, with three cheeses, and a crunchy hard-shell interior, with beef, spicy ranch, lettuce, and more shredded cheese. This far into the list, a few of those ingredients should raise some red calorie flags. This item has 490 calories, with 28 grams of total fat, 41 grams of carbohydrates, and 20 grams of protein. It has 840 milligrams of sodium, the lowest on this list, but if you have more than two of these, you're well above the daily sodium limit.

6. Beefy 5-Layer Burrito

And last, but not least, for this list, we have the Beefy 5-Layer Burrito. Also at 490 calories, eat four of these and you're nearly at the suggested daily calorie limit for adult females. Enjoy five, and you're just below the calorie limit for adult males. This burrito has 18 grams of total fat, 65 grams of carbohydrates, and 18 grams of protein. It has 1,260 milligrams of sodium per serving.

Consisting of zero lettuce, beans and cheese, nacho cheese sauce, sodium-saturated beef, and *reduced fat sour cream. Add any toppings and this order is sure to go into the red pretty quickly. Keep in mind, that many of these unhealthy Taco Bell foods can be customized. Add more vegetables, and less salty meats to be healthier.

What To Order Instead

Alright, now that you know what to look out for, let's take a look at some of the healthier options available at Taco Bell. You've got the crunchy taco a shredded chicken quesadilla, the classic bean burrito, triple layer nachos, and a power menu veggie bowl that won't upset your nutritional goals.

1. Shredded Chicken Quesadilla Melt

The shredded chicken quesadilla melt has 260 calories, and only 560 milligrams of sodium. All things considered, it's pretty basic in terms of ingredients. You're getting a good dose of protein (7 grams) from the shredded chicken, and only 36 grams of carbohydrates. Add a side of rice and some beans, and this menu item is a great jumping-off point at Taco Bell.

2. Bean Burrito

The bean burrito is not only tasty but one of the healthiest options at Taco Bell. At 350 calories, it's very straightforward with beans, cheese, and a flour tortilla. It has 9 grams of total fat, 55 grams of carbohydrates, and 13 grams of protein. Note that the sodium levels on this order do hit just above 1,000, so enjoy these burritos in moderation.

3. Crunchy Taco

The crunchy taco has only 170 calories, 300 milligrams of sodium, and 13 grams of carbohydrates. It delivers 8 grams of protein and only 10 grams of total fat. You can further customize this with fresh vegetable toppings, rice, beans, and low-fat sour cream for added nutritional value.

4. Triple Layer Nachos

While the word “triple” may throw you off, these nachos only have 310 calories to their name. With chips, cheese, pinto beans, and sauce, these have 6 grams of protein and 15 grams of total fat. Sodium clocks in at 550 per serving, and they can be further customized.

5. Power Menu Veggie Bowl

And last, the veggie bowl from Taco Bell's “Power Menu.” This dish has 420 calories, 20 grams of total fat, 47 grams of carbohydrates, and 12 grams of protein. It has 870 milligrams of sodium, but it's a pretty comprehensive meal. This dish comes with beans, rice, lettuce, cheese, sour cream, and guacamole. You can add in meats, more fresh chopped tomatoes, and other healthy additions.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©lawcain / iStock Editorial via Getty Images.

The post Taco Bell’s Unhealthiest Menu Items and What to Choose Instead appeared first on Moms Who Think.

If you've bought pre-packaged foods from the grocery store recently, you've probably seen a long list of ingredients — many of which are hard to pronounce, much less identify. This has led some countries to ban certain popular foods that are readily sold and consumed in the United States.

This may sound alarming and leave you wondering why. Are the foods listed here even safe to eat? Why do other countries find some of our foods unhealthy? And why are they allowed in the U.S. if they're banned in other countries?

To better understand why these foods are banned in various other countries, let's take a closer look at each item and what makes it unhealthy by other countries' standards.

Coffee Mate Creamer

While a popular coffee creamer in the United States, Coffee-Mate includes partially hydrogenated oils. These include soybean and cottonseed oil, which have high levels of trans fats that have been linked to possible heart disease. In fact, according to the Mayo Clinic, studies have shown that trans fat can lead to an increased risk of heart attack, type 2 diabetes, strokes, and increased cholesterol levels.

Coffee Mate is currently banned in many European countries including Austria, Switzerland, Denmark, Hungary, and Norway.

Skittles

Invented in 1974, Skittles are a popular candy for both kids and adults today. However, this candy includes artificial dyes like yellow 5 (tartrazine), yellow 6, and red 40. Even though many of these dyes have been linked to hyperactivity in children, their consumption has increased by more than 500% in recent years according to Healthline. Healthline also reports that while more studies need to be done, these dyes are potentially linked to cancer-causing issues as well.

Interestingly, Skittles were first invented in the UK before making their way to the United States in 1979. Today, though, this candy is banned in many European countries, like Austria. Additionally, the UK has rules that require any manufacturer that uses these artificial dyes to include a warning label on their products.

Milk with Growth Hormones

Most milk produced in the United States is healthy and a great source of protein and calcium. However, some producers have an added unhealthy growth hormone called rBGH to this dairy product. While this growth hormone is given to dairy-producing cows to help them produce more milk, it's also a synthetic, man-made hormone that can lead to cancer. The American Cancer Society reports that humans who consume rBGH can have increased levels of IGF-1. This is a growth hormone that's thought to increase the risk of cancer.

Many countries in the EU and Canada have banned milk produced with rBGH.

Gatorade

In the U.S., Gatorade is a popular sports drink. While this drink does have electrolytes, some varieties also contain harmful dyes, similar to Skittles. Additionally, the drink used to contain brominated vegetable oil, which is illegal in many countries inside the European Union and Japan. Once this ingredient was removed, some countries allowed it to be sold again.

However, many flavors of this sports drink contain harmful dyes like yellow 5 and yellow 6. As we learned from Skittles, these artificial dyes can be harmful to humans, especially children. For this reason, Gatorade is banned in countries like Austria and Norway.

Ritz Crackers

Similar to Coffee Mate, Ritz crackers are banned in some countries because they're manufactured with partially hydrogenated cottonseed oil. While this trans fat is often added to foods to help increase their shelf life, we know that it can also increase the risk of heart-related issues.

It's important to note that Ritz cracker nutrition labels report 0g of trans fat per serving. But how can this be true if the ingredient list includes partially hydrogenated oils and these crackers are banned in other countries? According to the FDA, any food item that has 0.5 grams or less can be reported as 0g on the label. Other countries, however, don't allow any amount of trans fat in products, thus leading to the ban on Ritz crackers.

Various Types of Cereal

Some types of cereal are banned in other countries due to potentially harmful additives. For example, Froot Loops contains those pesky food dyes we've discussed. Other cereals like Frosted Flakes and Honey Bunches of Oats contain an added chemical called butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT). While BHT is used as a flavor enhancer and to increase shelf life, it's also been linked to organ issues.

Because of BHT, many cereals are banned throughout the UK, Japan, and other European countries. While the FDA still reports that in small amounts there is no risk to consuming BHT, a few tests have shown that it can lead to carcinogenic effects and other health-related issues.

Little Debbie Swiss Cake Rolls

Even though Little Debbie Swiss Cake Rolls appear brown and white, these snacks still contain food dye additives, making them banned in other countries like Norway and Austria. Some other countries in Europe allow them, but they must have a warning label on them due to the use of yellow 5 and red 40.

Additionally, it's worth noting that other snack items like Hostess's Twinkies are also banned from some countries in the EU. While yellow 5 isn't an issue in the United States, many European countries either don't allow them or market them with warnings.

Stove Top Stuffing

While Stove Top stuffing is popular in the United States, especially around Thanksgiving, the food item is known to contain BHA (beta-hydroxy acid) and BHT. It's also worth noting that instant mashed potatoes contain some of the same ingredients. The National Library of Medicine reports that these additives can lead to blood and organ issues. These additives have also been linked to skin irritations.

As a result, Stove Top is banned in the UK, Japan, and other countries in Europe.

Citrus Sodas

One citrus soda in particular, Sun Drop, manufactured by the Dr. Pepper group, contains brominated vegetable oil. BVO is used as an additive to sodas to keep the flavors from separating. While this can enhance the flavor, studies have shown BVO can affect our central nervous system, causing headaches and memory loss. It can also be a skin irritant.

Environmental Working Group reports that until recently, BVO could be found in many different sodas including Mountain Dew. While many soda producers have removed BVO from their beverages, you can still find it in Sun Drop. BVO is currently banned in Japan and throughout the EU.

Chicken and Farmed Salmon

How different types of meat are processed can vary from country to country. In the United States, items like chlorinated chicken and farmed salmon are banned in many countries in the EU.

To keep chicken from carrying foodborne illnesses like salmonella, it's often washed with chlorine when processed. This practice is banned in the UK and is often seen as an unhealthy and unwise practice. SoilAssociation.org states that chlorinated chicken became banned in 1997, and the ban doesn't look to be lifted anytime soon.

Additionally, farmed salmon in the U.S. are fed chemicals in their food to enhance their color. BeyondPesicides.org reports that some of the chemicals include polybrominated diphenyl ethers, polychlorinated biphenyl, and dioxin, to name a few. Countries like New Zealand and Australia ban farmed salmon from the U.S. and only choose to eat fresh, wild-caught salmon.

Final Thoughts

While many of these foods are marked as safe in the United States by the FDA, they could still lead to health-related issues. More testing needs to be done, but when it comes to making healthy choices, you may want to consider staying away from synthetic additives and colorful dyes. Also, consider purchasing whole foods that don't contain potentially harmful preservatives to lengthen shelf life.

As a helpful resource, the Environmental Working Group has created a list of 12 chemicals to consider avoiding. Additionally, keeping the mantra “everything in moderation” can help you enjoy special treats without overindulging.

If you'd like to enjoy a recipe with fresh, wild-caught salmon from a sustainable source, try the recipe below.

Salmon Noodle Bowl

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• Author: Moms Who Think
• Total Time: 25 minutes

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Description

If there are two things that go together well, it’s salmon and noodles. Salmon is light and airy, and it is perfectly complemented by noodles which add a bit of weight to the dish without overpowering it.

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Ingredients

• 1 (9 ounce) package refrigerated fettuccine
• 1 pound skinless, boneless 1-inch thick salmon fillet, cut into 8 pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 6 cups packaged fresh baby spinach
• 1/2 cup bottled roasted red or yellow sweet peppers
• 1/2 cup garlic-stuffed green olives, coarsely chopped
• 1/2 cup reduced-calorie balsamic vinaigrette salad dressing

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Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package directions.
2. Meanwhile, brush fish with 1 tablespoon of the olive oil. Sprinkle lightly with salt and black pepper.
3. Heat a very large skillet over medium heat. Add fish to hot skillet; cook for 8 to 12 minutes or until fish begins to flake when tested with a fork, turning once halfway through cooking. Remove fish from skillet; cover and keep warm.
4. Add spinach, roasted peppers, olives, and the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to skillet; cook and stir for 1 to 2 minutes or just until spinach is wilted.
5. Drain pasta; add to skillet.
6. Add dressing; toss to coat. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
7. Divide pasta mixture among 4 shallow bowls; top with fish.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes

The post 10 American Favorites That Other Countries Have Outlawed appeared first on Moms Who Think.

When a sweet tooth calls, a simple bowl of ice cream can sometimes do the trick. But when you’re craving something more, nothing compares to a nostalgic and cherished family recipe. For me, my grandmother’s desserts provided that perfect blend of sweetness and sentiment. Her creations were simple yet unforgettable, and sharing them with her became a treasured ritual. It was more than just dessert; it was a time for us to connect, laugh, and savor life’s little moments together.

When you want to make memories with your family and instill lifelong memories in your nearest and dearest, whip up one of these amazing dessert recipes — just like my Grandma used to make.

Fresh Strawberry Pie

This one is at its best when strawberries are in season, right as spring gives hints of warmer days to come.

INGREDIENTS: 1 c sugar, 3 Tbsp. cornstarch, 1 cup fresh, mashed strawberries, 1/2 c water

INSTRUCTIONS: Cook and cool all ingredients, and pour over whole, fresh strawberries in a baked pie shell.

Cherry Crumb Dessert

A few simple ingredients yield a spectacular — and sweet — treat.

INGREDIENTS: 1/2 c butter (chilled), 1 package yellow cake mix, 1 can cherry pie filling (21 oz), 1/2 c chopped walnuts, whipped cream or ice cream (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS: In a mixing bowl, cut butter into cake mix as for pastry dough. Set aside 1 c. Pat the remaining crumbs onto the bottom and a half-inch up the sides of a 9×13 pan. Spread pie filling over the crust. Combine the walnuts with reserved crumbs, spring over top and bake at 350 degrees F for 30-35 minutes. Serve warm with whipped cream or ice cream.

Grandma’s Lemon Bread

This is a perfect dessert for a spring brunch or luncheon.

INGREDIENTS: 1 package lemon cake mix, 1 package lemon instant pudding, 1/3 c oil, 1 c water, 4 eggs beaten in one at a time

INSTRUCTIONS: Beat for 4-5 minutes. Bake in two loaf pans at 350 degrees F for 40 minutes. While still hot, pour over loaves 3/4 c powdered sugar and 3 Tbsp. lemon juice.

Great Aunty Charlotte’s Spice Cake

I never met Great Aunty Charlotte, but because of her, I’ve met one of my favorite desserts.

INGREDIENTS: 2 c flour, 1 tsp baking powder, 2 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp ground ginger, 1/4 tsp cloves, 1 tsp baking soda, 1 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp nutmeg, 1/4 tsp allspice, 1.5 c sugar, 2 c sour cream, 3 Tbsp buttermilk, 2 eggs, 1 tsp vanilla, 1/2 c nuts (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS: Sift the first 10 ingredients (through sugar) in a large bowl. Then add the remaining ingredients, beating for two minutes. Bake in a 9×13 pan for 25-30 minutes at 350 degrees F.

Grandma Sharon’s Fudge

This dessert is a winner year-round, but it makes a great teacher gift during the holidays.

INGREDIENTS: 6 squares of semi-sweet chocolate (grated), 1 jumbo package chocolate chips, 1 pint marshmallow cream, pinch of salt, 5 c sugar, 1 large can evaporated milk, 2 Tbsp butter

INSTRUCTIONS: Combine the first three ingredients in a large bowl. In a large pot (or as Grandma calls it, a “kettle”), combine the remaining ingredients. Mix and bring to a rolling boil, boiling for six minutes and stirring occasionally. Pour over the first mixture in the large bowl and beat until well-mixed. You can add nuts if you want. Put it all in a buttered 9×13 cake pan. Let cool, and then cut into squares. (Pro tip: I put the cake pan into the freezer to cool and harden. It make it easier to cut.)

Grandma’s Ginger Snaps

These have the PERFECT amount of a spicy kick to make them addictive.

INGREDIENTS: 1 c sugar, 3/4 c Crisco, 1/4 c molasses, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1 tsp salt, 1 egg, 1 tsp baking soda, 1/2 tsp ginger, 1/2 tsp cloves, 2 c flour

INSTRUCTIONS: Mix all ingredients until well combined. Shape dough into the size of a walnut. Then roll in sugar and bake at 350 degrees F. Take them out of the oven before they bake too hard.

Peanut Blossoms

Pro tip: Double the recipe because these go FAST!

INGREDIENTS: 1.75 c flour, 1 tsp soda, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 c sugar, 2 Tbsp milk, 1/2 c packed brown sugar, 1/2 c Crisco, 1/2 c peanut butter, 1 egg, 1 tsp vanilla, 48 Hershey Kisses

INSTRUCTIONS: Combine all ingredients except the Kisses in a large mixing bowl. Shape dough into balls, roll in sugar, place on a cookie sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes. As soon as they come out of the oven, place a Hershey Kiss on top of each one, pressing down firmly so the cookie cracks around the edge.

Grandma’s Lemon Bars

These are a wonderful option for a lighter dessert.

INGREDIENTS: 2 c flour, 1 c soft butter, 1/2 c powdered sugar, 4 eggs lightly beaten, 1.75 c sugar, 4 Tbsp flour, 1 tsp baking powder, 4 Tbsp lemon juice

INSTRUCTIONS: Combine the first three ingredients (through powdered sugar) and spread in a 9×13 pan and bake for 20 minutes at 350 degrees F or until light brown. Combine the remaining ingredients and pour over the hot crust. Bake all of it at 350 degrees F for 25 minutes. Do not overbake. Sift powdered sugar on top if you desire.

Rhubarb Cake

If you have never had rhubarb, make this your first experience and you’ll be a fan for life.

INGREDIENTS: 1 box white cake mix, 1 c sugar, 3 c chopped rhubarb, 1 pint whipping cream

INSTRUCTIONS: Prepare cake mix per package instructions. Pour into a 9×13 pan that has been greased and floured. Top with rhubarb. Cover with sugar. Pour 1 pint whipping cream over all of it. Bake at 350 degrees F for approximately 30-40 minutes or until golden brown and firm to the touch. When serving, invert on the plate and top with whipped cream.

Grandma’s “Easy” Dessert

And finally, when all else fails, opt for something easy, like Grandma’s Easy Dessert.

INGREDIENTS: 1 c flour, 1 stick butter, 8 oz package of cream cheese, 1 c Cool Whip, 1 package instant pudding (any flavor)

INSTRUCTIONS: Crumble flour and butter and put in a 9×13 pan. Bake at 350 degrees F until light brown. Let cool. Add a first layer of cream cheese and Cool Whip. Add a second layer of pudding and top with remaining Cool Whip.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©Ground Picture/Shutterstock.com.

The post 10 Timeless Desserts From Grandma’s Kitchen appeared first on Moms Who Think.

Kitchen tools used to be simple. A spoon, spatula, colander, flour sifter, potato masher, and perhaps a vegetable peeler were the basics that almost every kitchen had. There weren’t many extra fancy gadgets to open every can and jar, or tools to slice and dice every fruit and vegetable.

Today, the kitchen is an even more complicated place. It seems like there’s a tool for almost everything you can imagine. And even a tool for things you can’t imagine. Some gadgets look so foreign and space-aged, you might think someone left a car tool in the wrong room. But these are, in fact, kitchen gizmos. They are devices you’ve likely seen before but have no idea what they are or what they do.

While you may not need these gadgets to cook meals effectively in your kitchen, some can make the cooking process more enjoyable and efficient. Others are just better left at the store.

Avocado Slicer

Avocados are highly nutritious and come with many health benefits, but peeling and cutting them can be inconvenient. This tool allows you to peel and slice an avocado efficiently. Although not all avocado slicers come with this function, many also come with a pit remover so there’s no more struggling with the pit when you want to make avocado toast or guacamole.

Tea Strainer

Many people who drink tea are used to purchasing tea bags at the store. However, many tea lovers prefer to purchase loose-leaf tea. When making loose-leaf tea, you need some kind of a tea strainer. This tool allows you to steep your tea, easily remove the strainer, and dump out the leaves when you’re finished.

Pastry Cutter

Not everyone is familiar with this kitchen tool but for those who love to bake, it’s useful to have on hand. A pastry cutter is used to make different types of dough. The purpose of a pastry cutter is to cut the butter or other fat into the flour. While you can use your hands to do this, this tool makes this process less messy while still effectively cutting the fat into the flour.

Garlic Press

Like many other ingredients used for cooking, garlic tastes best when it’s fresh. You certainly can’t beat the convenience of buying minced garlic, but if you’re cooking with fresh garlic cloves, a garlic press is a handy tool to have in the kitchen.

This tool allows you to easily mince garlic without having to chop it. It’s a plus that you don’t have to worry about your hands smelling like garlic for days after using this tool.

Meat Tenderizer

Meat tenderizers come in different varieties, but the simplest type of meat tenderizer is the one that looks like a spiky hammer. This kitchen tool might not be as common nowadays, but they’re still used in many kitchens to tenderize various types of meat before cooking it.

You can also use a meat tenderizer for other purposes in the kitchen such as crushing spices, and nuts, or baking ingredients like graham crackers or chocolate.

Mortar and Pestle

Considering how many ingredients you can buy pre-ground or crushed, not many people own a mortar and pestle unless they’re serious about cooking with fresh ingredients. Even though they’re not as common nowadays, a mortar and pestle is still one of the most effective ways to grind, smash, or crush ingredients such as herbs or garlic.

Corn Holders

If you plan on serving corn on the cob, there’s nothing wrong with picking up the corn with your hands. However, this simple tool is great to have if you serve corn often. Corn holders allow you to hold corn on the cob without having to get your hands dirty. These holders can be especially useful if you’ve added melted butter, cheese, or other toppings to your corn.

Egg Separator

There are numerous recipes out there that call for egg whites or egg yolks. This requires you to separate the yolk from the egg whites and trying to do it with your hands or by using the shell can lead to a mess. This egg separator is a simple way to perfectly separate your egg whites and yolk every time without any hassle.

Milk Frother

If you don’t have one yourself, you’ve likely seen a milk frother before and wondered what it was used for. Battery-powered milk frothers are pretty inexpensive but they’re a great way to make your beverages more fancy. You can use this tool to froth your milk to add to your morning coffee or tea. You can even use it to make a delicious cup of chocolate milk.

Bench Scraper

Bench scrapers, also sometimes known as multi-purpose scrapers, are great for all kinds of tasks in the kitchen. You can use a bench scraper to chop vegetables, cut dough, or even slice pizza. If you’re making something that has a particularly wet or sticky dough, you can use the bench scraper to pick up the dough and shape it properly.

Strawberry Stem Remover

While you can cut the stem off of strawberries with a knife, if you’re baking with strawberries, this kind of tool can be incredibly helpful. A strawberry huller or stem remover can be used for easily scooping out the stem of a strawberry, which is perfect if you’re preparing strawberries to add to a dessert or if you’re preparing a snack for your young kids.

Cookie Press

You’re likely familiar with cookie cutters but a cookie press is another way to make cookies in fun shapes in the kitchen. A cookie press is typically used to make cookies that are smaller and thinner than cookies you make with a cookie cutter. This kitchen tool is simple to use and they come in many different designs.

Pasta Maker

If you’ve never made pasta at home before, you might not know what this contraption is for. While most people buy dry pasta at the store to cook at home, it can also be fun to make your own pasta with tools such as this handheld pasta maker. After making the pasta dough, this kitchen tool allows you to make pasta in different shapes.

Salad Spinner

A salad spinner allows you to dry off lettuce, spinach, or other greens before you make a salad to avoid having soggy vegetables. After washing your greens, you can place them in the salad spinner and remove most of the water. You can also use it for sliced vegetables as well, such as peppers or zucchini.

Nutmeg Grater

If you generally buy ground spices, you wouldn’t believe the difference in how they taste when you grind spices yourself. Freshly ground spices have a lot more flavor and taste fresher than store-bought spices. A nutmeg grater makes it easy to grind your nutmeg, no matter what kind of recipe you’re using it in. It also doesn’t take up too much space so it’s easy to keep in one of your kitchen drawers.

Spiralizer

Sprializing vegetables isn’t a necessity in most recipes but it does make life in the kitchen more fun. A spiralizer is a kitchen tool that allows you to quickly spiralize vegetables or fruits that you can add to salads or stir-fries. Certain vegetables, like zucchini, can also be a low-carb substitute for pasta and a spiralizer allows you to make your zucchini noodles to use instead of spaghetti or linguini.

Steamer Basket

Considering you can steam many store-bought vegetables in the bag they come in, you might not have a separate tool for steaming your vegetables. However, a steamer basket can be handy if you buy fresh vegetables that don’t come in a bag. There are many types of steamers out there, but these collapsible stainless steel steamer baskets save space by collapsing into a smaller size for easy storage.

Egg Cooker

There are plenty of ways to cook eggs that don’t require any fancy tools. However, if you cook a lot of eggs in your home, this egg cooker can be a helpful kitchen tool to have around. Egg cookers are a kitchen tool that cooks eggs with a steaming process. They allow you to make soft or hard-boiled eggs without having to boil them.

Potato Cutter

There are many ways to cook potatoes but if you’re planning on making french fries, it can be challenging to cut them right. If you’re a fan of crinkle-cut fries, this tool makes it easy to cut your potatoes into crinkle shapes so you can bake, fry, or air-fry your potatoes and make the perfect crinkle-cut potatoes at home.

Sugar Duster

When you’re sprinkling powdered sugar on a dessert, it’s not easy to get the amount right. While you can choose to use a spoon to sprinkle your sugar, it often leads to uneven dusting. This sugar duster is the perfect way to spread an even amount of powdered sugar for tasty and beautiful desserts made at home.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©IMG Stock Studio/Shutterstock.com.

The post Kitchen Gadgets You’ve Seen but Probably Don’t Know How to Use appeared first on Moms Who Think.

No one can deny that donuts are delicious. After all, what's not to love about fluffy pillows of dough covered with various forms of sugar? But there is also no denying that donuts are not always the healthiest snack option and some of the most unhealthy options available in the U.S. come from many renowned donut brands. While some of these famous are making a concerted effort to rectify their unhealthy donut reputation, the popular breakfast treat doesn't have the best track record.

Donuts are loaded with processed sugars, carbohydrates, calories, and saturated fats, and most are deep-fried. The time of day can also affect you. Studies show that some people may experience peaked blood sugar levels in the morning which can increase your risk of hyperglycemia, heart disease, and weight gain (via LiveStrong).

Keep reading to learn more about some of the most unhealthy donuts in the U.S. We'll include a breakdown of carbohydrates, sugar content, and calorie counts and give you an idea of which kinds to avoid. We'll also delve into how brands are trying to revamp the “unhealthy donut” image.

The History Of Donuts

These sweet, circular treats have roots in the kind of fried, sweetened dough consumed dating back to the ancient Greeks, and Romans. Dutch immigrants from the 17th and 18th centuries brought their fried dough balls (often stuffed with nuts and fruits,) to New York. So how did the original doughnuts transform into the multi-flavored, glazed, and sugar-bombed donuts of the modern day?

Some tall tales explain how the hole came to be in the center of a doughnut. Whatever the origin tale, adding a hole increased the size of these treats, and made them easier to cook all the way through. This kind of donut made it into the World War I, and II trenches due to how easily they could be made by hand. Donut machines were developed to increase the efficiency of donut production.

One such machine was featured at the 1933 World's Fair and the infamous Krispy Kreme donut brand was born in 1937. This was followed by Dunkin' Donuts in 1950, which offered both coffee and donuts, for dunking. Donut production increased tenfold around all kinds of flavors, sizes, fillings, toppings, and glazes (via Brittanica). And now, here we are, in the age of some of the unhealthiest donuts in America.

The Most Unhealthy Donuts You’ll Find In America

Now that you know a bit of the history, let's learn about the present. Read on to learn about what donuts are among the most unhealthy donuts you'll find in America.

1. Krispy Kreme's Cake Batter Donut

Starting with one of the earliest donut makers, Krispy Kreme's Cake Batter donut really takes the cake in terms of calories, sugar content, and carbohydrate counts. 1 donut contains 350 calories, plus 180 calories from fat. It has 18 grams of total fat and 8 grams of saturated fat.

There are 45 grams of carbohydrates, 26 grams of sugar, 4 grams of protein, and less than 1 gram of dietary fiber. In addition, this donut contains 170 milligrams of sodium, all this according to the Krispy Kreme nutritional info.

2. Krispy Kreme's Dark Chocolate Oreo Cookies and Kreme Donut

The Krispy Kreme Dark Chocolate Oreo Cookies and Kreme donuts are about as sugary as it sounds. At a whopping 400 calories per serving, it also has 21 grams of total fat, with 9 grams of saturated fat. There are 49 grams of carbohydrates, 28 grams of sugar, and 180 milligrams of sodium. For a good comparison point, Healthline has many full meals that are under 400 calories and full of healthy items.

3. Dunkin’ Donuts' Glazed Jelly Stick

Moving on to Dunkin' Donuts, let's talk about their Glazed Jelly Stick donut. This one is featured on Healthline‘s list of “the unhealthiest junk foods in America. It has 540 calories, 30 grams of total fat, 15 grams of saturated fat, and 37 grams of sugar.

From this single donut, you'll get 30 milligrams of cholesterol and 430 milligrams of sodium. Not to mention the added high fructose corn syrup in the jelly filling, and some of the unhealthier ingredients in the actual donut (refined wheat flour, soybean oil).

4. Dunkin' Donuts' Maple Creme Stick

Next up we have another stick donut, Dunkin's Bismark Donut. With 480 calories, 22 grams of total fat, and 9 grams of saturated fat, this one donut is the equivalent of a much healthier whole meal. It has 470 milligrams of sodium, 63 grams of carbohydrates, and 34 grams of sugar. Keep in mind the kind of refined flour that goes into making these kinds of donuts. It's the additives that really get you, even if the donut is a tasty one.

5. Tim Horton's Chocolate Caramel Donut

Moving onto Tim Horton's brand, with this Chocolate Caramel donut. This particular donut clocks in lower than some of the others at 280 calories, 49 grams of carbs, and 26 grams of sugar. It is high in sodium and fats, not to mention the added sugars in the caramel sauce (via CalorieKing).

6. Tim Horton's Blueberry Donut

Coming in slightly lower than the Chocolate Caramel donut, we have the Blueberry donut which contains 230 calories per serving. It has 8 grams of fat and 3.5 grams of saturated fat. You'll find 11 grams of sugar, 210 milligrams of sodium, and 36 grams of total carbohydrates (via FitBit). For more information on the nutritional profile of Tim Horton's donuts, check out their handy online calorie calculator.

7. Starbucks' Old-Fashioned Glazed Doughnut

While Starbucks has some healthier options, they are not making waves with their donut offerings. According to Business Insider, the glazed donut is one of the worst menu items you can order at this coffee chain. In one glazed donut, you'll find a shocking 480 calories, along with some 27 grams of fat, and 30 grams of sugar. While much of this nutritional profile comes from the makeup of the donut, the sugary glaze definitely ups the “unhealthy” factor of this particular American donut.

8. Starbucks' Apple Cider Doughnut

And last, for this list anyway, let's get to know the Starbucks' Apple Cider doughnut. This treat has some 230 calories, the same as the Tim Horton's Blueberry variety. There are 15 grams of fat and 3.5 grams of saturated fat. You'll find 11 grams of sugar, 36 grams of carbohydrates, and 210 milligrams of sodium. Once again, consider how the ingredients of the donut, along with the added toppings majorly affect the overall health profile of the donut.

“Healthier” Donut Options

There you have it, the most unhealthy donuts you'll find in the U.S. Everything is in moderation, so if you're going to enjoy one of these treats, be sure it's a special occasion. If you're truly looking for healthier brands to try out, these classics may not be the ones to pick.

Making them at home means you can be selective about your ingredient choices, and there are some variations on the recipe that can be much healthier for you (still in moderation). Try homemade mochi donuts, which contain rice flour instead of refined wheat-based flour. You can try your hand at naturally sweetened fruit glazes or fillings that aren't full of high-fructose corn syrup.

Alternatively, there are a few brands of donuts that are working to change the donut game. For instance, check out Urban Legend Doughnuts which offers low-sugar, low-carb treats. These are high in fiber, made fresh, vegetarian, and made without artificial colorings or flavors. The Protein Donut, based in Miami, Florida, ships six different donut flavors worldwide so you can make these protein donuts at home. And, last, but not least, Kejoy donuts are packed with superfood ingredients and healthy fats.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©AlexeiLogvinovich/Shutterstock.com.

The post You Might Want to Skip These Most Unhealthy Donuts in the US appeared first on Moms Who Think.

It may sound unbelievable now, but soda was originally invented as a way of mimicking the effervescent waters of mineral springs that were reputed for their therapeutic values. It was their effervescence that was most important. This carbonation was considered a health tonic and this sparking water was later mixed with flavors.

According to Pharmacy Times, these flavored bubbly drinks contained caffeine and sometimes even cocaine, and they were thought to cure various ailments. Even early versions of Coca-Cola contained cocaine from coca leaves, which, along with caffeine from kola nuts, lent its tonic quality. Of course, the days of these added ingredients are long gone but now these drinks have other, harmful ingredients.

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These days, soda is considered the opposite of healthy food, and many health professionals recommend avoiding it altogether. Soda, or as some parts of the U.S. call it, pop, is full of sugar and chemicals, and even diet soda is not safe for a healthy diet.

But soda lovers everywhere may find it challenging to give up their favorite drink and instead look for healthier versions. So, if you can relate to the many people who can't fathom giving up soda, then you don't have to, but you should be aware of some of the most unhealthy sodas in America so you can make good choices when choosing your carbonated can.

1. Crush Pineapple

The soda brand Crush is usually associated with the orange-flavored Orange Crush, but Pineapple Crush gets all the credit for being one of the unhealthiest sodas in America. In just one 20-fluid-ounce bottle, it has 320 calories. Just to put that in perspective, most dieticians recommend breakfast calories between 300 and 400 calories per day.

A bottle of Pineapple Crush has the same amount of calories as a proper breakfast but without any of the nutrients. The yellow citrus soda has 86 grams of carbohydrates and 85 grams of sugar. And if that wasn't bad enough, it also has 110 milligrams of sodium.

This soda is not doing your body any favors. It's empty calories and lots of sugar. If you love that carbonated pineapple taste, try mixing actual crushed pineapple with sparkling water for a healthy homemade version of Pineapple Crush.

2. Jolt Cola

Jolt cola is the favorite soda of jittery cola lovers everywhere. It was the original energy drink and was heavily marketed to young adults as a tasty stimulant and alternative to coffee to keep you awake and going strong. Jolt hit the cola market in 1985, and its key to fame was that it had more sugar and caffeine than the other major cola companies.

The Jolt company went bankrupt in 2009 but then relaunched in 2017 as an exclusive Dollar Store item. The revamped cola with a new recipe now had four times the caffeine and sugar. The high caffeine and sugar make this soda bad for your teeth; the sugar rots the enamel and causes tooth decay, and all that caffeine can lead to grinding your teeth.

Luckily, Jolt cola is fairly easy to avoid; it's only sold at a few places around the country, and if you are really curious to try one of the most unhealthy sodas in America, you might need to log into eBay to find it.

3. Mug Cream Soda

Sipping on Mug Cream Soda is like tasting an old-fashioned ice cream soda. It combines that creamy, rich flavor with carbonation, and it can trigger nostalgia for a simpler time. But that little trip down memory lane comes at the price tag of 290 calories.

The cream soda has 79 grams of carbohydrates and 79 grams of sugar. Of course, it tastes good with that much sugar, but to put it in perspective, The American Heart Association recommends men keep their daily sugar intake to 36 grams and women to 25 grams.

One can of Mug Cream Soda is three plus days of sugar in just twenty fluid ounces. If you really love this soda, then keep it to special occasions and share the can with a friend or two to spread out that sugar.

4. Mello Yello

The citrus-flavored soft drink Mello Yello makes the list due to its high sugar content. If you aren't familiar with Mello Yello, it is a Coca-Cola product and was originally created to compete with Pepsi Cola’s Mountain Dew. Mello Yello is still on the shelves, but it was never as popular as Mountain Dew.

But this bright-colored drink is available in some chain restaurants like Arby’s, Cracker Barrel, and Hardees. But you are better off skipping this drink because it has 290 calories per twenty fluid ounces. It has 78 grams of carbs and 77 grams of sugar, making it one of the most unhealthy sodas in America.

5. Rockstar Original

Everybody wants to be a rockstar; at least, that's what the marketers at Rockstar Original were hoping for when they started marketing this drink. It is part cola, part energy drink, and originally designed to help those with exhausting lifestyles like rockstars.

Today, there are many variations of the drink, but the original makes the list for its high caffeine, with 160 mg of caffeine per 16-ounce can. Besides caffeine, the drink has a mix of herbs like ginkgo biloba and guarana seed, both known for being stimulants.

The excess caffeine and high calories and sugar with 280 calories and 67.5 grams of sugar make this a soda energy drink to avoid, especially if you get caffeine-induced jitters and anxiety. 

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6. Mountain Dew

This citrusy soda is a no-go for anyone concerned about their health. The sugary soda has 77 grams of sugar and 77 grams of carbs. Plus, at 290 calories, it is practically a meal in itself with no nutrients. With 55 grams of caffeine, there are better ways to get a caffeine fix than this neon soda.

7. Fanta Mango

Yes, Fanta has a mango flavor. It is sugary sweet, like real mango, with a fizzy carbonated taste in every sip. We aren't going to lie; it tastes good, especially if you like mango and mango-flavored items. But it's 280 calories with 77 grams of carbs and 76 grams of sugar, making it one of the most unhealthy sodas in America.

Instead of mango-flavored soda, take ¾ a cup of fresh mango, which is only 70 calories, and blend, then mix with sparkling water for a simple homemade carbonated mango beverage and skip the Fanta.

8. Sun Drop Citrus

Here is another citrus soda that misses the mark and has too much sugar. Sun Drop Citrus is filled with sugar with 75 grams of sugar and 290 calories per twenty-fluid-ounce bottle. It's sugary sweet with a syrup-like aftertaste that might give you an afternoon sugar boost, but it will lead to a citrus-flavored sugar crash; this is definitely one to skip.

9. Pepsi Wild Cherry

Pepsi is one of the top cola companies with a lot of different products. When consumers reach for a Pepsi, they know what they are getting. But they might be surprised by Pepsi Wild Cherry; it has 260 calories and 70 grams of sugar and carbs. It is one of the sodas to skip or just split with a friend to share that heavy sugar overload.

10. A&W Root Beer

Root beer was originally made from roots and herbs and considered a tea. But this root beer is a long way from the original formula and has 270 calories with 73 grams of carbs and 72 grams of sugar. So, if you think choosing a root beer over a typical soda is a healthy choice, you would be mistaken.

If you love root beer, look for other versions with less sugar or local artisanal versions that focus on healthier ingredients with the same classic root beer taste. If root beer floats are your favorite indulgence, then save them for special occasions to avoid sugar overload.

Soda is everywhere, whether you drink it at home or your favorite restaurant. It is popular among adults and kids alike. In 2023, the U.S. will be one of the largest soda consumers in the world, coming in second to Argentina. In the U.S., one in five people consume at least one soda per day. If you are that one person in four of your friends, then we hope you have some information to help you avoid some of the most unhealthy sodas in America.

It's okay to consume soda in moderation. Many recipes, like the one below, make use of it to great success.

Chicken with Coca-Cola Soda

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• Author: Moms Who Think
• Total Time: 40 minutes

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Ingredients

• 4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
• 1 12 oz. can Coca-Cola
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup honey barbecue sauce

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Instructions

1. Place all ingredients in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil.
2. Cover and turn heat to medium.
3. Cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Uncover, and cook an additional 10 minutes until done.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes

The image featured at the top of this post is ©fongbeerredhot/Shutterstock.com.

The post Popular Sodas That Are Packed with Calories and Harmful Ingredients appeared first on Moms Who Think.

Almost every restaurant and fast-food chain, has selections on its menu that may not be the healthiest options. If you find yourself at the home of the chalupa, and are looking for something that is a bit more wholesome, this doesn't mean you'll be left with nothing but water. But you have to be careful. Taco Bell's menu features some diet-busting items that are high in sodium, calories, carbohydrates, and have other unnecessary ingredients.

It might be ok to enjoy the flavorful, cheesy goodness of most Taco Bell items on occasion but keep in mind the nutritional profile of these particular calorie bombs. We delve into the most unhealthy items offered at Taco Bell, break down their nutritional profile, and other things to look out for. There are healthier items available at this fast food chain and we also go into detail for those who want healthier options.  

The History of Taco Bell

Taco Bell was inspired by Mitla Cafe, a San Bernadino, California-based cafe that sold hard-shell tacos for great prices. This cafe was opened in 1937 right off Route 66, which made it a great destination for travelers. In 1951, Glenn Bell, a frequent Mitla customer, decided to expand the menu and mass-produce Mitla's delicious hard shell tacos.

He adopted a fast-food model similar to McDonald's, which had opened only a few miles away from Mitla cafe (via BBC). The very first Taco Bell was opened in 1964 and began immediate franchising. According to Statista, modern-day Taco Bell has over 8,000 restaurants, worldwide. It continues to be a main player in the fast-food scene, with a hugely expanded menu from those first hard-shell tacos, reward programs, mobile ordering, and so much more (via Taco Bell).

The Most Unhealthy Taco Bell Foods

1. Grilled Cheese Burrito

Starting off with the Grilled Cheese Burrito which clocks in at 710 calories. It has 39 grams of total fat, with 16 grams of saturated fat. While it does deliver 25 grams of protein, it also has 5 grams of sugar, 64 grams of carbohydrates, and a whopping 1,500 milligrams of sodium. For the remainder of this list, it's good to know that the recommended daily sodium intake for adults is around 2,300 milligrams. So, this single menu item from Taco Bell is almost all your daily recommended allowance of salt.

2. Nachos BellGrande

Next up, we have the Nachos BellGrande. Anything with “grande” in the title, for many fast food chains, you can expect a double dose of unhealthy ingredients. This item has 730 calories to its name, with 38 grams of total fat, 81 grams of carbohydrates, and 1,130 milligrams of sodium. That's around half the recommended daily intake.

While 730 calories may not seem like the highest number, these nachos are topped with fatty, salty beef, cheese sauce, and other unhealthy toppings. According to Yahoo, nutritionists consider this one of the worst Taco Bell food items because it has such a high carbohydrate and saturated fat content. These ingredients can lead to more cravings and overeating.

3. Cheesy Bean and Rice Burrito

Sometimes when we see an item has no meat, we think it's healthier but in this instance, no meat doesn't equate good for you. The cheesy bean and rice burrito clocks in at 420 calories, which is much lower than the previous two items, and has 17 grams of total fat, 55 grams of carbohydrates, and 940 milligrams of sodium.

4. The Breakfast Crunchwrap Sausage

Now we have the Breakfast Crunchwrap Sausage, which is essentially a burrito packed with ingredients. This burrito, without meat, has 750 calories, 53 grams of carbohydrates, 49 grams of fat, and 21 grams of protein. But of course, its sodium count clocks in at 1,210 milligrams. What a salty way to start your morning!

5. Cheesy Gordita Crunch

Next up, the Cheesy Gordita Crunch. This item features a flatbread base, with three cheeses, and a crunchy hard-shell interior, with beef, spicy ranch, lettuce, and more shredded cheese. This far into the list, a few of those ingredients should raise some red calorie flags. This item has 490 calories, with 28 grams of total fat, 41 grams of carbohydrates, and 20 grams of protein. It has 840 milligrams of sodium, the lowest on this list, but if you have more than two of these, you're well above the daily sodium limit.

6. Beefy 5-Layer Burrito

And last, but not least, for this list, we have the Beefy 5-Layer Burrito. Also at 490 calories, eat four of these and you're nearly at the suggested daily calorie limit for adult females. Enjoy five, and you're just below the calorie limit for adult males. This burrito has 18 grams of total fat, 65 grams of carbohydrates, and 18 grams of protein. It has 1,260 milligrams of sodium per serving. Consisting of zero lettuce, beans and cheese, nacho cheese sauce, sodium-saturated beef, and *reduced fat sour cream. Add any toppings and this order is sure to go into the red pretty quickly. Keep in mind, that many of these unhealthy Taco Bell foods can be customized. Add more vegetables, and less salty meats to be healthier.

What To Order Instead

Alright, now that you know what to look out for, let's take a look at some of the healthier options available at Taco Bell. You've got the crunchy taco a shredded chicken quesadilla, the classic bean burrito, triple layer nachos, and a power menu veggie bowl that won't upset your nutritional goals.

1. Shredded Chicken Quesadilla Melt

The shredded chicken quesadilla melt has 260 calories, and only 560 milligrams of sodium. All things considered, it's pretty basic in terms of ingredients. You're getting a good dose of protein (7 grams) from the shredded chicken, and only 36 grams of carbohydrates. Add a side of rice and some beans, and this menu item is a great jumping-off point at Taco Bell.

2. Bean Burrito

The bean burrito is not only tasty but one of the healthiest options at Taco Bell. At 350 calories, it's very straightforward with beans, cheese, and a flour tortilla. It has 9 grams of total fat, 55 grams of carbohydrates, and 13 grams of protein. Note that the sodium levels on this order do hit just above 1,000, so enjoy these burritos in moderation.

3. Crunchy Taco

The crunchy taco has only 170 calories, 300 milligrams of sodium, and 13 grams of carbohydrates. It delivers 8 grams of protein and only 10 grams of total fat. You can further customize this with fresh vegetable toppings, rice, beans, and low-fat sour cream for added nutritional value.

4. Chips and Guacamole

While the word “triple” may throw you off, these chips and guacamole only have 240 calories to their name. The guacamole adds 3 grams of protein and 16 grams of total fat. Sodium clocks in at 240 per serving.

5. Power Menu Veggie Bowl

And last, the veggie bowl from Taco Bell's “Power Menu.” This dish has 420 calories, 20 grams of total fat, 47 grams of carbohydrates, and 12 grams of protein. It has 870 milligrams of sodium, but it's a pretty comprehensive meal. This dish comes with beans, rice, lettuce, cheese, sour cream, and guacamole. You can add in meats, more fresh chopped tomatoes, and other healthy additions.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©lawcain / iStock Editorial via Getty Images.

The post Taco Bell Items to Avoid and Healthier Options to Try Instead appeared first on Moms Who Think.

Dinnertime for many of us can be hectic. We all have busy schedules and making a home-cooked meal isn't always an option. Ordering out can be costly which is where meals of convenience often come into play. The frozen food selection in the market is vast and offers great selections for everyone. Many items are favorites for the whole family, like frozen pizza.

Frozen pizza is the perfect choice when you're low on time and need something quick. It's inexpensive enough to be accommodating for every eater. Don't like pepperoni? Get cheese. Want more than cheese? Get one with veggies too. Yet, even though it can be a convenient and delicious meal, there are some health risks to be aware of when consuming frozen pizza.

Many frozen pizzas are high in sodium, sugar, and calories, are highly processed, and have artificial preservatives. While having a frozen pizza on occasion isn't going to hurt you, consuming frozen pizza regularly is a concern for heart health and can put you at risk for developing heart disease. Not all are bad for you but some are worse for you than others. Let's take a look at some frozen pizzas that are nutritional disasters.

Tombstone Original 4 Meat Pizza

Nutritional information per serving (1/4 pizza):

• 370 calories
• 18 grams of fat
• 910 milligrams of sodium
• 35 grams of carbs
• 4 grams of sugar

As a meat lover's pizza, this pizza has a handful of different processed meats and is very high in calories, fats, sodium, and carbs.

DiGiorno Chicken Alfredo Pizza

Nutritional information per serving (1/4 pizza):

• 640 calories
• 23 grams of fat
• 1,280 milligrams of sodium
• 83 grams of carbs
• 11 grams of sugar

This small pizza packs a ton of calories, fat, sodium, and carbs. Topped with lots of cheese and creamy alfredo sauce, just a quarter of this pizza is over half the daily recommended amount of fat and sodium.

Screamin' Sicilian Brazen Buffalo

Nutritional information per serving (1/4 pizza):

• 330 calories
• 15 grams of fat
• 1,300 milligrams of sodium
• 31 grams of carbs

This pizza serving has the highest amount of sodium so far, so if you think one slice won't hurt, think again. One serving has 57% of your daily need for sodium.

Wegman's Bake & Rise Pizza Supreme

Nutritional information per serving (1/6 pizza)

• 360 calories
• 13 grams of fat
• 760 milligrams of sodium
• 44 grams of carbs
• 5 grams of sugar

The serving size for this pizza is smaller than the others at a sixth of the pizza. So you need to watch how many slices you eat, or the numbers will add up quickly.

California Pizza Kitchen Crispy Thin BBQ Chicken Recipe

Nutritional information per serving (1/3 pizza)

• 290 calories
• 11 grams of fat
• 640 milligrams of sodium
• 33 grams of carbs
• 9 grams of sugar

With this pizza, you get to eat a little more and not worry about adding too many more calories, fat, sodium, and carbs to your diet. The serving size is bigger at a third of a pizza. That being said, this pizza still has quite a bit of sugar and sodium.

Great Value Three Cheese Cauliflower Crust Pizza

Nutritional information per serving (1/6 pizza):

• 400 calories
• 21 grams of fat
• 830 milligrams of sodium
• 38 grams of carbs
• 3 grams of sugar

Cauliflower crust must mean this pizza is healthy, or so you'd think. But don't let that trick you. This pizza is very high in calories, fat, sodium, and carbs, and the serving size is smaller, at a sixth of the pizza.

Red Baron Classic Crust Four Cheese Pizza

Nutritional information per serving (1/4 pizza):

• 380 calories
• 17 grams of fat
• 710 milligrams of sodium
• 41 grams of carbs
• 8 grams of sugar

Just because a pizza doesn't have “any” toppings doesn't make it healthier. We see in this pizza, where cheese is the only topping, the calories, fat, sodium, and carb count are very high.

Screamin Sicilian Pizza Co. I'm Stuffed

Nutritional information per serving (1/5 pizza)

• 360 calories
• 19 grams of fat
• 770 milligrams of sodium
• 31 grams of carbs
• 3 grams of sugar

This pizza has a lot of cheese since it's used as a topping, as well as two and a half feet of cheese in its stuffed crust. Be careful with this one, as just a fifth of the pizza has 40% of the daily recommended amount of saturated fats.

DiGiorno Bacon Me Crazy Pizza

Nutritional information per serving (1/4 pizza)

• 410 calories
• 21 grams of fat
• 920 milligrams of sodium
• 34 grams of carbs
• 3 grams of sugar

Yes, this pizza might have high protein content with the bacon as a topping, but its saturated fat content is very high and should be avoided.

Red Baron Fully Loaded Pepperoni Pizza

Nutritional information per serving (1/6 pizza):

• 390 calories
• 19 grams of fat
• 680 milligrams of sodium
• 38 grams of carbs
• 7 grams of sugar

This pizza is another option that is high in saturated fat. About 50% of its fat content is saturated fat, which is also almost half of the daily recommended amount.

Celeste Pizza For One Sausage and Pepperoni

Nutritional information per serving (whole pizza)

• 400 calories
• 20 grams of fat
• 890 milligrams of sodium
• 47 grams of carbs
• 3 grams of sugar

A small pizza for one should have fewer calories but that's not always the case. This small pizza has just as many calories, fat, sodium, and carbs as the servings of the other pizzas. But this pizza will ensure you won't overindulge because once it's gone, it's gone.

Freschetta Naturally Rising Crust Four Cheese Pizza

Nutritional information per serving (1/5 pizza)

• 370 calories
• 14 grams of fat
• 800 milligrams of sodium
• 48 grams of carbs
• 9 grams of sugar

The four cheese pizzas really add to the calorie and fat count. Sadly, although cheese is delicious, too much cheese increases the saturated fat content, which can become unsafe.

Tombstone Original Supreme Pizza

Nutritional information per serving (1/4 pizza)

• 350 calories
• 17 grams of fat
• 770 milligrams of sodium
• 35 grams of carbs
• 4 grams of sugar

Although this pizza has some healthy toppings like onions, peppers, and olives, it's high in sodium and saturated fats due to the additional processed meats.

Banquet Pizza Double Stuffed Pepperoni

Nutritional information per serving (1 slice):

• 460 calories
• 22 grams of fat
• 1,300 milligrams of sodium
• 44 grams of carbs
• 5 grams of sugar

This pizza isn't a full pizza, but two slices of double-stuffed pizza. But just because there are two, doesn't mean you should eat both. This pizza has a dangerously high sodium count, and eating both would get you halfway to your daily calories and over the daily sodium limit in just one meal.

Tombstone 5 Cheese Pizza

Nutritional information per serving (1/4 pizza)

• 370 calories
• 18 grams of fat
• 740 milligrams of sodium
• 33 grams of carbs
• 4 grams of sugar

This pizza is another cheese culprit. It's made with a third of a pound of cheddar, mozzarella, asiago, romano, and parmesan cheese. And although it's tasty and delicious, just a quarter of the pizza contains almost half the daily recommended amount of saturated fat.

Kirkland Pepperoni Pizza

Nutritional information per serving (1/4 pizza)

• 400 calories
• 24 grams of fat
• 990 milligrams of sodium
• 29 grams of carbs
• 5 grams of sugar

For all the Costco lovers, beware. Their pizza might be delicious, but it has the highest amount of fat and saturated fats of all these pizzas. And although you can get more for less money-wise at Costco, ensure you get quality as well and opt for a healthier option than this pizza.

Stouffer's French Bread Three Meat Pizza

Nutritional information per serving (one pizza):

• 460 calories
• 25 grams of fat
• 1,070 milligrams of sodium
• 40 grams of carb
• 5 grams of sugar

Often, we think a smaller meal means fewer calories. This is not true, especially when it comes to these French bread pizzas. With the extra bread content, variety of meat toppings, and cheese, the calorie, fat, sodium, and carb count on these pizzas add up very quickly.

Instead of buying one of these pizzas, you can always try making your own. It isn't as hard as you may think.

White Pizza Recipe

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Ingredients

1 unbaked pizza crust
2 Tablespoons butter, melted
1 Tablespoon olive oil
3 Tablespoons minced garlic
2 Tablespoons sun-dried tomato pesto
1 teaspoon dried basil leaves
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 Tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
1 tomato, sliced
1 bunch fresh spinach, torn
1 sweet onion, sliced
1 fresh jalapeno pepper, chopped
1 (6 ounce) package feta cheese, crumbled

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven according to pizza crust package directions.

2. In a small bowl combine butter, olive oil, garlic, pesto, basil, oregano and Parmesan cheese.

3. Spread mixture evenly on pizza crust.

4. Arrange tomato, spinach, onion and jalapeno on pizza.

5. Top with crumbled feta cheese.

6. Bake according to pizza crust package directions.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©Brent Hofacker/Shutterstock.com.

The post These Frozen Pizzas Are Nutritional Disasters appeared first on Moms Who Think.

The United States is considered a “snack nation.” According to a 2024 IFIC Food & Health Survey, 74% of Americans snack at least one time per day. Grocery stores don't make it any easier for us to avoid the snack impulse, with aisle after aisle of tasty, albeit unhealthy, snacks jumping out at us. But markets aren't the only ones. Companies spend billions each year on marketing that promotes unhealthy snacks.

Unhealthy snacks tend to come prepackaged, making them easier to grab and go, and more accessible for busy families. Additionally, many unhealthy snacks are loaded with sugar, which research has shown can be highly addictive. Consuming unhealthy snacks can be a hard habit to break, not because we lack willpower but because of the dopamine effect they can have on our brains.

Dopamine taps into the pleasure center in our brains, leading to addictive behaviors. These unhealthy snacks for kids are no exception. This article will dig deep into what makes these snacks unhealthy and which healthier alternatives to choose. 

The Worst Snacks for Kids and Healthier Choices They’ll Love

It is essential to start our children on a great path while they are young toward developing a healthy relationship with food. These simple ideas may help you implement healthy habits with your children:

• Do not food shame. Instead, offer healthier alternatives. 
• Talk openly about nutrition and how it affects our bodies, such as “protein helps us become strong.” 
• Develop routines around eating habits.
• Eat meals together.
• Model healthy eating habits by being choosy about your snacks. 
• If you have time, prepare healthy snacks and meals ahead.
• Involve your child in preparing healthy snacks or picking them out at the grocery store.

Now, let's look at some of the worst snacks for kids and healthier choices they’ll love. 

1. Soda

Soda is very popular. In fact, over half of adults in America drink at least one soda a day. Regarding unhealthy snacks for our kids, soda tops the list. These drinks are loaded with empty calories, and sugar, and have little nutritional value. Excessive soda may contribute to adverse health issues in the long run, including insulin sensitivity and risk of type 2 diabetes. 

Even worse? Soda is highly addictive. The extra sugar sends messages to our brains to release dopamine, which gives us instant pleasure and leads to the desire for more and more soda. 

Healthy Alternative: Water

One of the healthiest alternatives to any sugary drinks is water. It keeps us hydrated and has no added sugars or unwanted additives. Teaching children how to drink water while young is always a good idea. The sooner they learn the habit, the easier it will be to carry it into adulthood. 

2. Fruit Juice 

Fruit juice is a healthier choice than soda. Most fruit juice contains vitamins and minerals vital for growth, including potassium. 

However, some brands and types of juice still contain loads of sugar. Juice, on average, has between 20-26 grams of sugar in each cup. Therefore, if you want to watch the sugar content in your child's beverage, try limiting the amount of juice they drink or give a healthier alternative. 

Healthy Alternative: Almond or Coconut Milk Smoothie With Fresh Fruits and Vegetables 

If your child loves vegetables, try giving them vegetable juice, which is lower in sugar. Additionally, unsweetened almond or coconut milk is also lower in sugar. Try making a fresh fruit or vegetable smoothie with these two drink choices. Your child may prefer the smoothie over juice boxes! 

3. Sweets like Cakes and Donuts

Sweets are all around us. This can be difficult if you and your child have a sweet tooth. Eating cakes, donuts, or sweets like Little Debbies or Hostess occasionally will not necessarily destroy health. When consumed daily, there can be adverse effects with all the added sugar, calories, and high fructose corn syrup. 

Healthy Alternative: Overnight Oats or Oatmeal Muffins

One way to satisfy a sweet tooth is by eating oats instead. Oats have several essential nutrients that are great for our bodies. These include fiber, which keeps us fuller longer. Additionally, oats also have iron, zinc, calcium, and more. Offering overnight oats for breakfast or healthy oatmeal muffins as an after-school snack are healthier choices. 

4. Fruit Snacks

Fruit snacks are easy. This is one reason kids and parents love them. Although quick and easy, fruit snacks can also be high in sugar, have long ingredient lists, and add dyes such as Red 40. While the dyes in the fruit snacks are FDA-approved, some parents raise concerns about this particular dye because it may be linked to certain negative behaviors in children, migraines, and allergies. 

Healthy Alternative: Fresh Fruit 

Fresh fruit is always the better option. Fruit can help children feel fuller while taking in essential nutrients like fiber, vitamin C, folate, and potassium. While fruit does contain natural sugar, eating a diet that involves fresh fruit can lower the risk of certain conditions such as heart disease or type 2 diabetes. 

5. Yogurt Tubes 

Yogurt tubes are fun for kids and easy for adults. Of course, yogurt is a healthier option for us. However, it depends on the type that we eat. Many yogurt tubes contain unnecessary ingredients and too much sugar. 

Yoplait Go-Gurt has 21 grams of sugar in each tube, which is still quite a bit, especially if a child eats more than one tube. Therefore, if your child enjoys sugar, choose healthier yogurt. 

Healthy Alternative: Greek Yogurt

A healthy alternative to yogurt tubes is Greek Yogurt. Yoplait Greek Protein Yogurt contains less sodium and sugar and more protein. Additionally, greek yogurt includes plenty of nutrients such as calcium and vitamins D and A.

6. Lunchables

Lunchables are a favorite among kids. They contain crackers, cheese, and meat, so they should be healthy, right? Yet, the ingredient list is extensive. Additionally, Lunchables can be high in sodium, cholesterol, and saturated fat. 

Healthy Alternative: Do It Yourself Bento Boxes

If your child loves Lunchables, make your own with a bento box. You can be in charge of the ingredients, crackers, meat, and cheese added to the bento box. You can also include fresh fruits and vegetables, making a healthier version of this kid's favorite. 

What's even better? You can control the amount of cholesterol and sodium in your child's bento box by being picky about the items you add. 

7. Potato Chips

Potato chips are highly addictive. Many of the popular versions have low nutritional value and high calories. Additionally, they can be high in trans fats and contain acrylamide. These can have adverse health effects, such as increasing the risk of inflammation. 

Healthy Alternative: Kale or Sweet Potato Chips or Sun Chips in Moderation

If your child enjoys the crunch of potato chips, opt for a healthier version, such as sun chips, which are lower in fat. If you want to go even healthier, kale or sweet potato chips can be made at home and are full of essential nutrients while low in fat. 

8. Goldfish or Packaged Snacks

Goldfish, as well as packaged snacks, do not contain a ton of essential nutrients. They can also be higher in sodium. Therefore, try choosing a healthier alternative that packs plenty of nutrition. 

Healthy Alternative: Homemade Trail Mix

Knowing which one is worth buying can take much work regarding prepackaged snacks. There are some healthier versions to choose from. Nevertheless, making your homemade trail mix as a quick snack can help you keep an eye on alternative ingredients, sodium content, and more. 

9. Ice Cream

Ice cream is a fun and favorite sweet treat for kids. Nonetheless, it is something that should be eaten only sometimes. Depending on the type of ice cream and flavors, it can be high in fat, sugar, cholesterol, and sodium. It also has very little nutritional value. 

Therefore, try a healthy alternative if your child has a sweet tooth. 

Healthy Alternative: Frozen Yogurt

Frozen yogurt is a healthier alternative to ice cream. Yet, it can still be high in sugar. However, the lactose content may be low enough for those with lactose intolerance to eat, and it has lower calories and fat content than ice cream, making it a healthy choice. 

Other Unhealthy Snacks to Avoid

While the above list contains the most common unhealthy foods, there are still many others you may want to consider. Here are 11 more snacks that you may want to limit or avoid altogether:

10. Cereal bars
11. Protein bars
12. Popcorn
13. Chocolate
14. Cereal
15. Pop-Tarts
16. Pretzels
17. Processed veggie chips
18. Pudding
19. Cookies
20. Pizza pockets
21. Peanut butter
22. Store-bought smoothies

One Last Note

Many unhealthy snacks for your kids are on the market today. They are full of sugar, fat content, empty calories, and offer little nutritional value. Teaching our kids how to make wise choices and develop a healthy relationship with food is a skill they can carry into adulthood. 

Looking for a recipe that uses fresh fruit? Try this great fruit salad.

Healthy Fruit Salad Recipe

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Ingredients

Units USM

• 2 cups fresh seedless grapes, whole or cut depending on size
• 4 cups melon balls, cantaloupe, or honeydew
• 4 cups nectarines or peaches, peeled & sliced
• 2 cups fresh blueberries
• 2 cups fresh strawberries
• 2 cups fresh pineapple chunks
• 1 cup sliced kiwi fruit

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Instructions

1. Combine all fruits and chill.
2. Serve with cool whip if desired.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©Hananeko_Studio/Shutterstock.com.

The post The 22 Worst Snacks for Kids and Healthier Choices They’ll Love appeared first on Moms Who Think.

Many of us know that typically if we want healthy food options, fast-food restaurants aren't the place to go, and are rather renowned for their least healthy items. The United States is the birthplace of fast food, with the first fast-food restaurant opening in 1921 in Witchita, Kansas (White Castle). Its popularity grew thanks to the convenience, price, and accessibility that lent to the ever-changing American lifestyle.

The McDonald’s fast food chain arrived on the scene in the 1950s. Much like the original restaurants of convenience, it's never been a place you go if you're looking for something healthy to eat. Burgers, fries, milkshakes, and more – this fare isn't exactly healthy, many containing more than a day's worth of fat, calories, and sugar, just in one meal.

But that isn't to say that the fast-food giant doesn't have some healthy offerings. Just like any restaurant, there are some healthier options on the McDonald’s menu, you just need to know what to look for. In this post, you’ll learn about the history of the fast-food chain, and how its menu has evolved, and you'll get a better idea about the unhealthiest options on the current menu. You'll also be well-versed as to what is considered “healthy” on the McDonald’s menu.

The History of McDonald’s Fast Food Chain

McDonald’s was started by Dick and Mac McDonald. The brothers hailed from New England but moved to California. They were off to seek their fortunes in the burger business after a failed stint in the movie industry.

They opened a restaurant in the late 1940s with a walk-up window and hamburgers for only 15 cents. The service was remarkably fast and was coined the “Speedee Service System.” This thriving system led to the opening of more stores around the state of California.

Their San Bernadino location was the first menu to also feature shakes and french fries. In 1954, entrepreneur and salesman Ray Kroc visited a local McDonald's and had a vision for its future. He became their official franchise agent in 1955.

The first McDonald’s outside of California opened in April of that year. By 1967, Krock had franchised McDonald’s into Canada, and Puerto Rico (via McDonald’s). As of 2022, there are over forty thousand McDonald’s worldwide. 

The First Menu Options

The San Bernadino location was the first location to include items like french fries and milkshakes alongside 15-cent hamburgers. Burger prices have definitely gone up with inflation. What did the menu once look like in terms of healthy options?

According to Fox News, the original McDonald’s menu featured the classic cheeseburger/hamburger options. They also served french fries, soft drinks, milkshakes, and an apple pie dessert. Let it be known that the recipes of the 1950s aren’t known for their emphasis on health.

Still, there likely weren’t as many processed ingredients in the burgers, milkshakes, or desserts back then. A hamburger might have around 250 calories, while fries were around 100. The apple pie might’ve clocked in around 250. The milkshakes were the unhealthiest option with lots of fat and a caloric content of around 530. How do these compare to the modern menu?

The Current McDonald’s Menu: Unhealthiest Options Edition

For all these menu items, keep in mind that the American Heart Association recommends a daily cap of 1,500 milligrams of sodium for grown adults. Anything that’s “doubled” on the menu, you can count on having a high-calorie count. Like a double quarter pounder, or a double cheeseburger. 

Starting with a milkshake, compared to the original, the new McDonald’s milkshakes can contain almost twice as many calories. A 16-ounce McFlurry with M&Ms comes in at a whopping 930 calories. A large chocolate shake is 850 calories (via Insider). What are the most unhealthy items at McDonald's?

Menu Breakdown

1. The number one, across-the-board, unhealthiest item to order is the Big Breakfast With Hotcakes. This meal has 1,350 calories to its name. It also has 65 grams of fat, 48 milligrams of sugar, and 2,100 milligrams of sodium.
2. Next up we have the Double Bacon Smokehouse Burger. This meal is made up of two beef patties, bacon, cheddar, fried onions, and bacon onion sauce. The whole thing contains 1,130 calories, 1,920 milligrams of sodium, and 67 grams of fat.
3. For another fat-heavy meal, enter the Bacon Smokehouse Buttermilk Crispy Chicken Sandwich. This is a buttermilk-breaded fried chicken with the same ingredients as the burger above. It has 920 calories, 45 grams of fat, and 1,980 grams of sodium.
4. Chicken McNuggets clock in at 890 calories, with 53 grams of fat, and 1,680 mg of sodium. They equal around four servings of french fries. 
5. A Cheeseburger Happy Meal contains a classic cheeseburger, fries, and a soda. It contains around 850 calories, not including the sugar and calories from the soda. 
6. The Six-Piece Buttermilk Chicken Tenders may seem harmless but the fact that they are fried impacts their overall health profile. Not to mention they actually pack a punch of 2,040 milligrams of sodium. This is higher than the bacon-wrapped Smokehouse burger. This is by far one of the most unhealthy items at McDonald's.
7. And for one more example, the Big Breakfast which features scrambled eggs, hashbrowns, a sausage patty, and a biscuit. It has 750 calories, 1,490 milligrams of sodium, and 49 grams of fat. 

The list could absolutely go on, but the main takeaway is that the modern menu features a lot of items with a high-calorie count and significant fat content. All of most unhealthy items at McDonald's are well over the recommended sodium levels for grown adults. 

The Current McDonald’s Menu: Healthiest Options Edition

Moving onto the healthier options, McDonald’s has increased its options in terms of vegetarian, keto, and other restriction-friendly options. They also have some breakfast foods that are actually healthy, compared to everything else that is (via Shape).

Menu Breakdown

Breakfast Options

• There’s fruit and maple oatmeal, which can be made even healthier if you forgo the brown sugar and raisin topping options. 
• The sausage burrito contains scrambled eggs, pork sausage, vegetables, and scrambled eggs. It provides protein and a good dose of vitamins and minerals. However, like other unhealthier menu items, it does have a high level of sodium, which is good to keep in mind before ordering (via Healthline).
• The egg biscuit is a good source of protein (11 grams) and iron. It is also vegetarian.
• McDonald’s does sell items like apple slices and a carton of 1 percent low-fat milk. In terms of calorie count and protein/fiber, these are great sides.

Meal Options

• A plain hamburger is actually only 250 calories and has 12 grams of protein. Just avoid the added cheese, and maybe trade out fries for a healthier side option. 
• The filet-o-fish is a fried option, but it also contains omega-3 fatty acids, 2 grams of fiber, and 16 grams of protein. This meal clocks in at about 390 calories, and only 580 milligrams of sodium which is well within the American Heart Association’s recommended cap of 1,500 milligrams per day (via Health.com).
• For a keto-friendly option, try the Quarter Pounder with Cheese Deluxe without any sauces. This is a high-protein option, but it still contains a lot of sodium, saturated, and trans fats, so it should not be a staple of anyone’s keto diet. 

Essentially while there are vegetarian, keto, and generally healthier options available on the McDonald’s menu, you still need to be conscientious of how these ingredients translate. Most of these “healthy” options need to be ordered without sauces or specific toppings. That's the easiest way for them to actually be the healthiest version of a meal.

Others that provide a high dose of protein, or general nutrients are also full of added sodium, sugar, and unhealthy fats. McDonald’s has remained popular because it is accessible, affordable, and, yes, quite tasty. But if you’re ordering the healthy options on the menu, keep in mind that even these options should be eaten in moderation.

And that’s the nutritional truth of the golden arches of the McDonald’s empire!

The image featured at the top of this post is ©Allard1 / iStock Editorial via Getty Images.

The post The 7 Least Healthy Items at McDonald’s and Healthier Swaps to Try appeared first on Moms Who Think.

Fruit loops are one of the many foods criticized in the United States for the harmful additives they contain. In addition to numerous dyes like red 40 and blue 1, they also contain BHT, a chemical preservative, major food allergens like wheat, and ingredients that may be genetically engineered. The state of California has recently banned the use of these dyes.

But these are only one of many foods Americans happily ingest regularly, many unaware of the dangers they consume. Others may be well aware but are seemingly unconcerned. In countries outside of the United States, you would be hard-pressed to find any of these harmful items so popular in America. Most likely because they've been banned because of their harmful chemicals and additives.

This may sound alarming and leave you wondering why. How can foods be safe in the U.S. if other countries have banned them? Are the foods listed here even safe to eat? To better understand why these foods are banned in various other countries, let's look at each item and see what makes it unhealthy by other countries' standards.

Coffee Mate Creamer

While a popular coffee creamer in the United States, Coffee-Mate includes partially hydrogenated oils. These include soybean and cottonseed oil, which have high levels of trans fats that have been linked to possible heart disease. In fact, according to the Mayo Clinic, studies have shown that trans fat can lead to an increased risk of heart attack, type 2 diabetes, strokes, and increased cholesterol levels.

Coffee Mate is currently banned in many European countries including Austria, Switzerland, Denmark, Hungary, and Norway.

Skittles

Invented in 1974, Skittles are a popular candy for kids and adults. However, this candy includes artificial dyes like yellow 5 (tartrazine), yellow 6, and red 40. Even though many of these dyes have been linked to hyperactivity in children, their consumption has increased by more than 500% in recent years according to Healthline. Healthline also reports that while more studies need to be done, these dyes are potentially linked to cancer-causing issues as well.

Interestingly, Skittles were first invented in the UK before making their way to the United States in 1979. Today, though, this candy is banned in many European countries, like Austria. Additionally, the UK has rules that require any manufacturer that uses these artificial dyes to include a warning label on their products.

Milk with Growth Hormones

Most milk produced in the United States is healthy and a great source of protein and calcium. However, some producers have an added unhealthy growth hormone called rBGH to this dairy product. While this growth hormone is given to dairy-producing cows to help them produce more milk, it's also a synthetic, man-made hormone that can lead to cancer.

The American Cancer Society reports that humans who consume rBGH can have increased levels of IGF-1. This is a growth hormone that's thought to increase the risk of cancer.

Many countries in the EU and Canada have banned milk produced with rBGH.

Gatorade

In the U.S., Gatorade is a popular sports drink. While this drink does have electrolytes, some varieties also contain harmful dyes, similar to Skittles. Additionally, the drink used to contain brominated vegetable oil, which is illegal in many countries in the European Union and Japan. Once this ingredient was removed, some countries allowed it to be sold again.

However, many flavors of this sports drink contain harmful dyes like yellow 5 and yellow 6. As we learned from Skittles, these artificial dyes can be harmful to humans, especially children. For this reason, Gatorade is banned in countries like Austria and Norway.

Ritz Crackers

Similar to Coffee Mate, Ritz crackers are banned in some countries because they're manufactured with partially hydrogenated cottonseed oil. While this trans fat is often added to foods to help increase their shelf life, we know that it can also increase the risk of heart-related issues.

It's important to note that Ritz cracker nutrition labels report 0g of trans fat per serving. But how can this be true if the ingredient list includes partially hydrogenated oils and these crackers are banned in other countries? According to the FDA, any food item that has 0.5 grams or less can be reported as 0g on the label. Other countries, however, don't allow any amount of trans fat in products, thus leading to the ban on Ritz crackers.

Various Types of Cereal

Some types of cereal are banned in other countries due to potentially harmful additives. For example, Froot Loops contains those pesky food dyes we've discussed. Other cereals like Frosted Flakes and Honey Bunches of Oats contain an added chemical called butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT). While BHT is used as a flavor enhancer and to increase shelf life, it's also been linked to organ issues.

Because of BHT, many cereals are banned throughout the UK, Japan, and other European countries. While the FDA still reports that in small amounts there is no risk to consuming BHT, a few tests have shown that it can lead to carcinogenic effects and other health-related issues.

Little Debbie Swiss Cake Rolls

Even though Little Debbie Swiss Cake Rolls appear brown and white, these snacks still contain food dye additives, making them banned in other countries like Norway and Austria. Some other countries in Europe allow them, but they must have a warning label on them due to the use of yellow 5 and red 40.

Additionally, it's worth noting that other snack items like Hostess's Twinkies are also banned from some countries in the EU. While yellow 5 isn't an issue in the United States, many European countries either don't allow them or market them with warnings.

Stove Top Stuffing

While Stove Top stuffing is popular in the United States, especially around Thanksgiving, the food item is known to contain BHA (beta-hydroxy acid) and BHT. It's also worth noting that instant mashed potatoes contain some of the same ingredients. The National Library of Medicine reports that these additives can lead to blood and organ issues. These additives have also been linked to skin irritations.

As a result, Stove Top is banned in the UK, Japan, and other countries in Europe.

Citrus Sodas

One citrus soda in particular, Sun Drop, manufactured by the Dr. Pepper group, contains brominated vegetable oil. BVO is used as an additive to sodas to keep the flavors from separating. While this can enhance the flavor, studies have shown that BVO can affect our central nervous system, causing headaches and memory loss. It can also be a skin irritant.

Environmental Working Group reports that until recently, BVO could be found in many different sodas including Mountain Dew. While many soda producers have removed BVO from their beverages, you can still find it in Sun Drop. BVO is currently banned in Japan and throughout the EU.

Chicken and Farmed Salmon

How different types of meat are processed can vary from country to country. In the United States, items like chlorinated chicken and farmed salmon are ok, while they are banned in many countries in the EU.

To keep chicken from carrying foodborne illnesses like salmonella, it's often washed with chlorine when processed. This practice is banned in the UK and is often seen as unhealthy and unwise. SoilAssociation.org states that chlorinated chicken became banned in 1997, and the ban doesn't look to be lifted anytime soon.

Additionally, farmed salmon in the U.S. are fed chemicals in their food to enhance their color. BeyondPesicides.org reports that some of the chemicals include polybrominated diphenyl ethers, polychlorinated biphenyl, and dioxin, to name a few. Countries like New Zealand and Australia ban farmed salmon from the U.S. and only choose to eat fresh, wild-caught salmon.

Final Thoughts

While many of these foods are marked as safe in the United States by the FDA, they could still lead to health-related issues. More testing needs to be done, but when it comes to making healthy choices, you may want to consider staying away from synthetic additives and colorful dyes. Also, consider purchasing whole foods that don't contain potentially harmful preservatives to lengthen shelf life.

As a helpful resource, the Environmental Working Group has created a list of 12 chemicals to consider avoiding. Additionally, keeping the mantra “everything in moderation” can help you enjoy special treats without overindulging.

If you'd like to enjoy a recipe with fresh, wild-caught salmon from a sustainable source, try the recipe below.

Salmon Noodle Bowl

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• Author: Moms Who Think
• Total Time: 25 minutes

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Description

If there are two things that go together well, it’s salmon and noodles. Salmon is light and airy, and it is perfectly complemented by noodles which add a bit of weight to the dish without overpowering it.

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Ingredients

• 1 (9 ounce) package refrigerated fettuccine
• 1 pound skinless, boneless 1-inch thick salmon fillet, cut into 8 pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 6 cups packaged fresh baby spinach
• 1/2 cup bottled roasted red or yellow sweet peppers
• 1/2 cup garlic-stuffed green olives, coarsely chopped
• 1/2 cup reduced-calorie balsamic vinaigrette salad dressing

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

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Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package directions.
2. Meanwhile, brush fish with 1 tablespoon of the olive oil. Sprinkle lightly with salt and black pepper.
3. Heat a very large skillet over medium heat. Add fish to hot skillet; cook for 8 to 12 minutes or until fish begins to flake when tested with a fork, turning once halfway through cooking. Remove fish from skillet; cover and keep warm.
4. Add spinach, roasted peppers, olives, and the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to skillet; cook and stir for 1 to 2 minutes or just until spinach is wilted.
5. Drain pasta; add to skillet.
6. Add dressing; toss to coat. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
7. Divide pasta mixture among 4 shallow bowls; top with fish.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes

The image featured at the top of this post is ©Aleksandrs Samuilovs/Shutterstock.com.

The post Popular American Foods You Won’t Find in Foreign Countries appeared first on Moms Who Think.

There are more than 200,000 fast-food restaurants in the United States, an industry that began more than a century ago and has seen an explosion in popularity thanks to its convenience, affordability, and accessibility. With people busier than ever, having quick and easy meals makes dinner time less stressful. However, this doesn’t always equate to healthier.

Pick Carefully

When you look at a menu, have you ever wondered what the most unhealthy item is at Burger King? Many fast food chains around the U.S. are known for their easy-to-order food items and their no-so-great ingredients. However, certain menu items pack more of a calorie punch than others and should be avoided if possible. While enjoying fast food on occasion is not bad, after all, everything in moderation is key, certain things should remain off the list.

What’s Inside

Many of these menu items are often full of unhealthy fats, with high levels of sodium, significant carbohydrates, calories, and added sugars. Get to know which are the unhealthiest, and the healthiest menu items. This will help you streamline your order at fast-food chains.

The Rundown

In this slideshow, we’ll break down the worst offenders on the Burger King menu. Learn a bit more about this classic American food chain. And get a better idea of what menu items to avoid. We’ll talk about the nutritional profile of each of the unhealthiest items, as well as the recommended nutritional numbers to consider.

The History of Burger King

Founded in Miami, Florida in 1954, Burger King, known for the Whopper burger, became a national chain in the 1960s. In the modern day, Burger King has some 14,000 stores around the world. Second to McDonald’s, it was acquired by the Pillsbury Dough Company in 1967. This is when its menu expanded and it was further franchised.

Today’s Hits

Modern-day Burger King menu includes numerous variations on the original Whopper. They serve hot dogs, breakfast sandwiches, sides, and sweets. They have a very handy nutritional counter on their website that lists calorie info.

The Most Unhealthy Items At Burger King

Now that you know some of the history of this food chain, let’s get into the most unhealthy items at Burger King. Let’s break down the nutritional profile of some of the brand’s biggest “calorie bombs.”

7. Double Sausage, Egg & Cheese Biscuit Sandwich

Let’s check out this particular Burger King breakfast sandwich. This sandwich has 852.9 calories, which increases to 882 if you order the croissant bun instead of a biscuit. It has 29.6 grams of fat, 2,526.1 milligrams of sodium, and 34.3 grams of carbohydrates. In this sandwich, you’ll find 33.3 grams of protein and 3.6 grams of sugar. Probably not the best way to start your day.

6. Spicy BK Royal Crispy Chicken Sandwich

Clocking in at 760 calories, the Spicy BK Royal Crispy Chicken Sandwich has 47 grams of total fat, 58 grams of carbohydrates, and 34 grams of protein (via Nutritionix). As for sodium levels, this sandwich takes the cake with 1,580 milligrams of sodium per serving. Between the breading, the sauce, the bun, and the meat, this is one sandwich to avoid eating frequently.

5. Bacon and Swiss BK Royal Crispy Chicken Sandwich

Moving onto chicken sandwiches, let’s take a look at the Bacon and Swiss BK Royal Crispy Chicken sandwich. This one has a lower calorie count than the burgers on this list but still has 820 calories per serving. It has 48 grams of total fat, 2,170 milligrams of sodium, 57 grams of carbohydrates, and 47 grams of protein (via Nutritionix).

Remember the recommended daily sodium intake? One Bacon and Swiss BK Royal Crispy Chicken sandwich pretty much covers it for both male and female adults.

4. Texas Double Whopper Burger

The Texas Double Whopper Burger contains around 1,400 calories according to Carb Manager. It has 50 grams of carbohydrates, 56 grams of protein, and 1770 milligrams of sodium per serving. Originally only available in Texas, Burger King rolled out the sandwich nationwide in 2021 (via Fast Food Post).

Combined with Burger King’s sides, and maybe a sweet treat, you’re ordering a serious calorie bomb with the Texas Double Whopper Burger.

3. Bacon King Burger

The Bacon King Burger has all kinds of fat and protein content. This burger features two Angus beef patties and strips of smoked bacon. It has 1,087 calories, only slightly fewer than the previous burger. In this option, you’ll find 59.6 grams of protein and 48.7 grams of carbohydrates. It has 10.6 grams of sugar, 6,500 milligrams of sodium (way over the daily recommended intake), and a whole lot of fat content.

2. Triple Whopper Burger

Next up, is the Triple Whopper Burger. With a similar three-patty makeup it clocks in at 1,108 calories. It has 47.5 grams of carbohydrates, 11.7 grams of sugar, and 76.2 grams of protein. This burger has 68.4 grams of fat, 24.4 grams of saturated fat, and 2.4 grams of trans fat. And it’s important to note the 1,117 milligrams of sodium.

That is nearly half the recommended daily amount of 2,300 milligrams (via the FDA). So, you’re getting a high dose of calories, and about half the recommended dose of daily sodium, from a single order of the Triple Whopper Burger.

1. Triple Stacker XL Burger

Let us introduce you to the Triple Stacker XL Burger from Burger King. This singular burger contains a whopping 1,132 calories per serving size. It has 51 grams of carbohydrates and 9.7 grams of sugar. It has 69 grams of fat, 33 grams of saturated fat, and 78 grams of protein. So you’re bound to get your protein fix from this burger.

Keep in mind that the recommended daily calorie total is 2,000 for females and 2,500 for males. One of these burgers will get you really close to that total, in just one meal, without sides, or anything particularly that good for you.

Healthier Options at Burger King

So, now that you know what not to order, especially if you’re counting your calories, let’s take a look at some healthier options. Web MD lists Burger King’s “Original Chicken Sandwich,” among the healthiest of their menu items. It has 660 calories, around 40 grams of fat, and is lower in saturated, and trans fats.

Healthline recommends small orders of Burger King’s breakfast items, including their french toast sticks, hashbrowns, and their croissant, egg, and cheese sandwich. A simple, non-Whopper, hamburger only has 240 calories per serving, and their four-piece chicken nuggets only have 170 calories.

How you order, and what kinds of sauces, or sides you pair your order with, definitely impact the overall nutritional profile of your Burger King experience. There are absolutely ways to focus on the healthier menu items at a restaurant chain of this kind, starting with knowing which calorie bombs to avoid.

According to Women’s Health Magazine, nutritionists recommend the veggie burger, the grilled chicken garden salad, and the grilled chicken sandwich. You can also opt for a side salad with your single-patty hamburger, or go for a small fry instead of a medium. It’s all about knowing how to work the menu.

The next time you go to Burger King, you’ll be well set up to order in a way that best fits your health goals. Whether it’s ordering a high-calorie sandwich and planning healthier meals around that, or picking the lower-calorie option to start, you can definitely make the menu options at Burger King work for you.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©Doucefleur/Shutterstock.com.

The post This Popular Fast Food Choice Packs 1,132 Calories in Just a Single Serving appeared first on Moms Who Think.

From chocolate to hard candy, you’ll find endless candy choices for you and your kids to enjoy on Halloween night. However, while they are all delicious, they are not equally healthy. Some Halloween candy is much worse than others regarding sugar, calories, and fats. It would be best to avoid these candies altogether or toss them before your kids devour them.

This guide uncovers the most unhealthy candies for your kids. We look at the most unhealthy candies you should avoid on Halloween. We also take a look at some of the best candies for you.

The 4 Unhealthiest Non-Chocolate Candies

Leading the list of unhealthiest non-chocolate candies is candy corn. It’s a candy that always has mixed reviews. Some people love it, while others hate it. The candy is also one of the worst for your health because it contains 31 grams of sugar and 150 calories.

Second on the list is Smarties. They lack zero nutritional value for your body. They are full of sugar and only cause harm to your teeth and your health. Try avoiding them altogether.

Third on the list is gummy bears. They are known for getting stuck in people’s teeth because of their sticky consistency. They are also full of sugar and calories, with 13 grams and 100 calories for every 12-13 pieces. Avoiding these can save you and your kids a trip to the dentist, especially if this candy pulls out a filling.

Last on the list is Skittles. While they may seem small and harmless, they are actually one of the worst kinds of candies for you because of the sugar content and the food dye on the candy. The main ingredients are sugar and high fructose corn syrup, which are terrible for you. There are about 250 calories and 45 grams of sugar per package.

The 3 Unhealthiest Chocolate Candies

First on this list is Junior Mints. It’s another candy that seems small and harmless. But they are full of sugar and calories. While these aren’t super popular Halloween candy, they appear here and there and should be avoided altogether.

Next on the list are 3 Musketeers. It may be a favorite among certain people, but it’s also the chocolate candy that has some of the most calories and sugar content. It’s packed with 240 calories and 36 grams of sugar. Eating them in moderation is fine, but avoid overindulging in this candy.

The last on this list is a fun-sized Twix bar. It’s hard to resist the combination of chocolate and caramel. However, it’s also one of the worst for you regarding a fun-sized Twix bar, which is much larger than the average Twix bar. It’s high in sugar and fat, making it terrible for your teeth and overall health.

The Healthier Alternatives

If you want to know what candy is healthier, look for the dark chocolate. Dark chocolate is known to have antioxidant properties that improve your overall health.

Additionally, you should also look for Air Head candies. The mini Air Heads offer only 50 calories and 7 grams of sugar. They are also a tasty treat with all their unique flavors.

Another fun candy that leans on the healthier side is a Heath Bar. It has about 77 calories and only 5 grams of fat.

Don’t Fear the Scary, Unhealthy Candy

While this list of unhealthy candies doesn’t mean you’ll have health problems or need an immediate visit to the dentist, it is essential to know which candies are worse than others. Knowing about them can give you a better idea of what to avoid or be more mindful of when trick-or-treating with your kids. It’s also an important reminder that not all candy is made the same.

If you want healthier candy, look for the dark chocolate pieces. While candy isn’t like eating vegetables, they vary in calories and sugar. Knowing which ones to avoid and which are better for you can give you a better insight into what to eat this Halloween season with your kids.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©Odu Mazza/Shutterstock.com.

The post Unhealthy Halloween Candy & Healthier Alternatives appeared first on Moms Who Think.

It’s that time of year again — the time to dress up as your favorite Halloween character and trick-or-treat with your kids. Like with any holiday, certain candies and treats define Halloween. From Reese’s to Smarties, a myriad of candy flavors are favorites to everyone. But what’s the unhealthiest Halloween candy?

For parents, this might be a question on top of their minds. They don’t want their little ones consuming candy that could leave them with a sugar high and rotten teeth. Conversely, what are the healthiest candies to eat?

This guide looks at the unhealthiest candies you should consider dumping before your kids eat them. They are the candies that are high in sugar and calories. These specific candies can give your kids a stomach ache or a dental visit nightmare.

What Kind of Candy Should You Avoid?

Kids should avoid many unhealthy candies because of the high sugar and damage it can cause to their teeth. Looking at these candies can give you a better idea of what to take out of their bag before they consume it.

While no particular candy is healthy for you, certain candies are worse than others.

Candy Corn

Candy corn consistently tops lists of the most hated candies. For good reason: it’s often a candy that people don’t like because of the unique maple flavor.

It’s also one of the worst candies for you because it’s filled with corn syrup. There are 31 grams of sugar and 150 calories. While eating them in moderation is fine, it’s fine to dump them out if you’re trying to keep only the healthier candy.

Smarties

Smarties are chock-full of sugar. They also taste like sweet chalk. While they seem small and harmless, they are the worst because you get zero nutritional value from them.

They are comprised of high sugar, even though they have little calories or fat.

Almond Joy

Almond Joys might be hard to pass up if you love coconut with chocolate. This classic candy is also one of the worst for your teeth and overall health, let alone terrible for kids.

It’s filled with high fat and sugar content that will leave you in a daze after you eat it. It specifically has 16 grams of fat and 9 grams of sugar.

Peanut M&Ms

Peanut M&Ms are the perfect snack for movies. They are also one of the most classic Halloween candies. They are delicious peanuts covered with milk chocolate.

No matter how tasty they are, they are also one of the worst candies because of the high fat and sugar content. One of the main reasons they are unhealthy is because they have chemical-filled shells that aren’t the greatest for you or your kids. It has 180 calories, 18 grams of sugar, and 10 grams of total fat.

Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups

It’s hard to deny the deliciousness of eating a Reese’s peanut butter cup. They melt in your mouth as soon as you eat it.

They are also among the worst because they have about 220 calories, 22 grams of sugar, and 13 grams of total fat. In some instances, the Halloween edition of these candies is often worse than the original versions.

Fun Size Twix Bars

There’s nothing like a crunchy Twix bar with caramel and chocolate. They also have a tremendous amount of fat, making them one of the worst candies for your kids.

The Fun Size Twix Bars are even worse because they are much larger with more fat content.

Gummy Bears

Another unhealthy Halloween candy you should avoid is gummy bears. While kids love these candies, they also have 100 calories for 13 pieces. They also contain 13 grams of sugar.

One of the worst things about gummy bears is that they are notorious for getting stuck in your teeth. If your kids have cavities, you may find that these candies can disturb the cavity and leave your kids in a lot of pain on Halloween night.

Nestlé Crunch

While not an incredibly common candy bar that is usually found in your kids’ candy pails after trick-or-treating, it still gets in there from time to time. These little puffed-rice-filled treats are filled with artificial ingredients and are high in calories.

Raisinets

While raisins are typically a healthy and delicious treat, Raisinets are incredibly high in sugar and saturated fat. To top it off, they actually contain very little real fruit. Moderation, of course, is key, but if you’re looking to limit your child’s candy intake, you can feel good about tossing these.

Skittles

Say it isn’t so! Skittles are an incredibly popular candy among trick-or-treaters and candy-lovers in general. But Skittles is a candy that has been deemed one of the unhealthiest candies out there. Filled with sugar and artificial flavorings, these little candies are as unhealthy as they get.

Why Should You Avoid the Most Unhealthy Halloween Candy?

The most obvious reasons to avoid these candies are their high fat and sugar content. They have candy that can destroy your health, especially your kid’s teeth. It can also elevate your kid’s blood sugar and give them a sugar high.

Consider dark chocolate candies if you’re wondering what candy to stick with. Dark chocolate is known to have ingredients that are healthier for you. Dark chocolate has flavanols that help lower your risk of diseases. Overall, choosing less sugary and high-fat content candies can be better for your kid’s health.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©Teri Virbickis/Shutterstock.com.

The post Stop Letting Your Kids Eat These Halloween Candies appeared first on Moms Who Think.

If you've purchased pre-packaged items from the grocery store lately, you've likely noticed a lengthy list of ingredients. Some of these can be difficult to pronounce, let alone understand what they actually are. For this reason, a few popular foods that are sold and consumed here in the United States are banned in other countries.

This may sound alarming and leave you wondering why. Are the foods listed here even safe to eat? Why do other countries find some of our foods unhealthy? And why are they allowed in the U.S. if they're banned in other countries?

To better understand why these foods are banned in various other countries, let's take a closer look at each item and what makes it unhealthy by other countries' standards.

Coffee Mate Creamer

While a popular coffee creamer in the United States, Coffee-Mate includes partially hydrogenated oils. These include soybean and cottonseed oil, which have high levels of trans fats that have been linked to possible heart disease. In fact, according to the Mayo Clinic, studies have shown that trans fat can lead to an increased risk of heart attack, type 2 diabetes, strokes, and increased cholesterol levels.

Coffee Mate is currently banned in many European countries including Austria, Switzerland, Denmark, Hungary, and Norway.

Skittles

Invented in 1974, Skittles are a popular candy for both kids and adults today. However, this candy includes artificial dyes like yellow 5 (tartrazine), yellow 6, and red 40. Even though many of these dyes have been linked to hyperactivity in children, their consumption has increased by more than 500% in recent years according to Healthline. Healthline also reports that while more studies need to be done, these dyes are potentially linked to cancer-causing issues as well.

Interestingly, Skittles were first invented in the UK before making their way to the United States in 1979. Today, though, this candy is banned in many European countries, like Austria. Additionally, the UK has rules that require any manufacturer that uses these artificial dyes to include a warning label on their products.

Milk with Growth Hormones

Most milk produced in the United States is healthy and a great source of protein and calcium. However, some producers have an added unhealthy growth hormone called rBGH to this dairy product. While this growth hormone is given to dairy-producing cows to help them produce more milk, it's also a synthetic, man-made hormone that can lead to cancer. The American Cancer Society reports that humans who consume rBGH can have increased levels of IGF-1. This is a growth hormone that's thought to increase the risk of cancer.

Many countries in the EU and Canada have banned milk produced with rBGH.

Gatorade

In the U.S., Gatorade is a popular sports drink. While this drink does have electrolytes, some varieties also contain harmful dyes, similar to Skittles. Additionally, the drink used to contain brominated vegetable oil, which is illegal in many countries inside the European Union and Japan. Once this ingredient was removed, some countries allowed it to be sold again.

However, many flavors of this sports drink contain harmful dyes like yellow 5 and yellow 6. As we learned from Skittles, these artificial dyes can be harmful to humans, especially children. For this reason, Gatorade is banned in countries like Austria and Norway.

Ritz Crackers

Similar to Coffee Mate, Ritz crackers are banned in some countries because they're manufactured with partially hydrogenated cottonseed oil. While this trans fat is often added to foods to help increase their shelf life, we know that it can also increase the risk of heart-related issues.

It's important to note that Ritz cracker nutrition labels report 0g of trans fat per serving. But how can this be true if the ingredient list includes partially hydrogenated oils and these crackers are banned in other countries? According to the FDA, any food item that has 0.5 grams or less can be reported as 0g on the label. Other countries, however, don't allow any amount of trans fat in products, thus leading to the ban on Ritz crackers.

Various Types of Cereal

Some types of cereal are banned in other countries due to potentially harmful additives. For example, Froot Loops contains those pesky food dyes we've discussed. Other cereals like Frosted Flakes and Honey Bunches of Oats contain an added chemical called butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT). While BHT is used as a flavor enhancer and to increase shelf life, it's also been linked to organ issues.

Because of BHT, many cereals are banned throughout the UK, Japan, and other European countries. While the FDA still reports that in small amounts there is no risk to consuming BHT, a few tests have shown that it can lead to carcinogenic effects and other health-related issues.

Little Debbie Swiss Cake Rolls

Even though Little Debbie Swiss Cake Rolls appear brown and white, these snacks still contain food dye additives, making them banned in other countries like Norway and Austria. Some other countries in Europe allow them, but they must have a warning label on them due to the use of yellow 5 and red 40.

Additionally, it's worth noting that other snack items like Hostess's Twinkies are also banned from some countries in the EU. While yellow 5 isn't an issue in the United States, many European countries either don't allow them or market them with warnings.

Stove Top Stuffing

While Stove Top stuffing is popular in the United States, especially around Thanksgiving, the food item is known to contain BHA (beta-hydroxy acid) and BHT. It's also worth noting that instant mashed potatoes contain some of the same ingredients. The National Library of Medicine reports that these additives can lead to blood and organ issues. These additives have also been linked to skin irritations.

As a result, Stove Top is banned in the UK, Japan, and other countries in Europe.

Citrus Sodas

One citrus soda in particular, Sun Drop, manufactured by the Dr. Pepper group, contains brominated vegetable oil. BVO is used as an additive to sodas to keep the flavors from separating. While this can enhance the flavor, studies have shown BVO can affect our central nervous system, causing headaches and memory loss. It can also be a skin irritant.

Environmental Working Group reports that until recently, BVO could be found in many different sodas including Mountain Dew. While many soda producers have removed BVO from their beverages, you can still find it in Sun Drop. BVO is currently banned in Japan and throughout the EU.

Chicken and Farmed Salmon

How different types of meat are processed can vary from country to country. In the United States, items like chlorinated chicken and farmed salmon are banned in many countries in the EU.

To keep chicken from carrying foodborne illnesses like salmonella, it's often washed with chlorine when processed. This practice is banned in the UK and is often seen as an unhealthy and unwise practice. SoilAssociation.org states that chlorinated chicken became banned in 1997, and the ban doesn't look to be lifted anytime soon.

Additionally, farmed salmon in the U.S. are fed chemicals in their food to enhance their color. BeyondPesicides.org reports that some of the chemicals include polybrominated diphenyl ethers, polychlorinated biphenyl, and dioxin, to name a few. Countries like New Zealand and Australia ban farmed salmon from the U.S. and only choose to eat fresh, wild-caught salmon.

Final Thoughts

While many of these foods are marked as safe in the United States by the FDA, they could still lead to health-related issues. More testing needs to be done, but when it comes to making healthy choices, you may want to consider staying away from synthetic additives and colorful dyes. Also, consider purchasing whole foods that don't contain potentially harmful preservatives to lengthen shelf life.

As a helpful resource, the Environmental Working Group has created a list of 12 chemicals to consider avoiding. Additionally, keeping the mantra “everything in moderation” can help you enjoy special treats without overindulging.

If you'd like to enjoy a recipe with fresh, wild-caught salmon from a sustainable source, try the recipe below.

Salmon Noodle Bowl

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• Author: Moms Who Think
• Total Time: 25 minutes

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Description

If there are two things that go together well, it’s salmon and noodles. Salmon is light and airy, and it is perfectly complemented by noodles which add a bit of weight to the dish without overpowering it.

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Ingredients

• 1 (9 ounce) package refrigerated fettuccine
• 1 pound skinless, boneless 1-inch thick salmon fillet, cut into 8 pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 6 cups packaged fresh baby spinach
• 1/2 cup bottled roasted red or yellow sweet peppers
• 1/2 cup garlic-stuffed green olives, coarsely chopped
• 1/2 cup reduced-calorie balsamic vinaigrette salad dressing

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Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package directions.
2. Meanwhile, brush fish with 1 tablespoon of the olive oil. Sprinkle lightly with salt and black pepper.
3. Heat a very large skillet over medium heat. Add fish to hot skillet; cook for 8 to 12 minutes or until fish begins to flake when tested with a fork, turning once halfway through cooking. Remove fish from skillet; cover and keep warm.
4. Add spinach, roasted peppers, olives, and the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to skillet; cook and stir for 1 to 2 minutes or just until spinach is wilted.
5. Drain pasta; add to skillet.
6. Add dressing; toss to coat. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
7. Divide pasta mixture among 4 shallow bowls; top with fish.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes

The image featured at the top of this post is ©Sergio Rojo/Shutterstock.com.

The post 10 Popular U.S. Foods That Are Banned Across the World appeared first on Moms Who Think.