Dietitian Speaks Out on the Top Ways to Fuel Kids With Food - As springtime approaches, healthy living is on the forefront of everyone's mind. With families always on the go, giving kids a quick snack might be more about convenience than nutrition. Additionally, many household favorites have been linked to heart disease, cancers, diabetes and other conditions when eaten early in life. Susan Landgren, registered dietitian at The Portland Clinic, Oregon's oldest private multi-specialty medical group, weighs in on the ten foods to incorporate into your children's diet at home and ten that are better left on the shelves.

Top Ten Best Foods

"When considering what to buy at the grocery store, the top ten foods for your kids and your family will contain high fiber, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and heart-healthy proteins and fats," explains Susan. "Not only are these foods focused on whole grains, low-fat cheeses, low-sugar, and unprocessed choices, they are also more sustainable and easier on the wallet."

The Top Ten Best Foods:

1. Non Fat or 1% Milk, Water-Limit 100% fruit juice to ½ cup a day. Whole milk for children up to two years old.
2. Low Fat Cheeses-5 grams of total fat or less per ounce.
3. Peanut or Almond Butter-"Old-fashioned" or "natural" nut butters do not have trans fat.
4. Turkey, Chicken, Fish
5. Whole Grain, 100% Whole Wheat Breads, Bagels, Tortillas
6. Fresh or Frozen Fruits and Veggies-Try baby peeled carrots, cherry tomatoes, sweet colored peppers, snap peas!
7. Whole Grain Cereals-With more grams of fiber than sugar.
8. Whole Grain Crackers or Air Popped Popcorn, or Lite Popcorn
9. Baked Potatoes, Brown Rice, Whole Wheat Pasta
10. Homemade Pizza-On whole grain English muffins or pizza dough, low fat cheese, tomatoes, etc.

Top Ten Worst Foods

High in sugars, saturated and trans fats, and sodium, but low in fiber, the top ten worst foods are common favorites in a kid's diet. "Too many of these foods have been linked to heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and other health conditions, even when eaten early in life," states Susan. "Although these foods might be your child's favorite, the alternatives can be equally delicious and offer better nutrition for growing bodies."

The Top Ten Worst Foods:

1. Soda Pop, Juices-Any beverage with calories, except for milk.
2. American (or processed) Cheeses
3. Bologna and Highly Processed Deli Meats
4. Hamburgers, Hot Dogs, Sausages
5. White Breads, Bagels, Tortillas
6. Sweet Treats-Candies, donuts, pastries, commercial muffins.
7. Sugared and/or Low Fiber Cereals-With more grams of sugar than fiber.
8. Chips
9. French Fries, Tater Tots
10. Pizza with Meats, Sausage and Cheese

For more information about registered dietitians at The Portland Clinic, click here.