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12 Unhealthy Kids' Health Habits and How to Fix Them

The bad habits kids learn in childhood can last a lifetime. Here's how to help your child break them for good (16 Photos)

Arricca Elin SanSone on Aug 21, 2012 at 11:54PM

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12 Unhealthy Kids' Health Habits and How to Fix Them

Melissa Lomax Speelman/Flickr/Getty Images

Bad Habit: Devouring Seemingly Healthy Snacks and Drinks That Are Loaded with Sugar

“Many snacks that seem ‘healthy,’ such as granola bars, contain a lot of added sugar,” says Kristi King, registered dietitian and spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. “Even beverages such as energy drinks contain few nutrients and lots of added sugar, which translates into calories your child doesn’t need.”

What to do: Offer water, water flavored with just a drizzle of fruit juice or low-fat milk instead of soda, juice and fruit juice drinks. At snack time give them whole foods, like apples with a smear of peanut butter, crackers and low-fat cheese or Greek yogurt with real fruit, says King.

Filed Under:
- kids health,
- Michelle Obama

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What bad habit does your kid have that you're trying to change?