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Process This!

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By: Dr. Linda Carson

It’s good to process your thoughts about an event or circumstance. Processing information helps grownups and children make better sense of day-to-day events and that helps to contribute to self-regulation and executive function of your brain and body. While we are beautifully designed to process information, we are not designed to benefit from processing food.

What does processed food even mean? Basically, processed foods have been altered from a natural form to one that will have a shelf life longer than some of us will live. To increase shelf life in stores and vending machines, food is treated with additives, preservatives, and chemical colors and tastes.  The packaged, processed food that we are all familiar with is actually chemically engineered non-food.

Sugar, salt, and fat are additional harmful ingredients found in most crackers, cereals, cookies, chips, ready to eat meals, microwave dinners….well, you get the idea. The worst form of sugar, high fructose corn syrup, is found in almost everything these days, especially sugary beverages.

Because of easy access and convenience, we are becoming an unhealthy, processed nation. Not very many of us would put protective goggles on our young children and take them on a field trip to a chemical lab. But if we did, I don’t think any of us would encourage our children to drink or eat what we see in the test tubes and beakers. Yet that is the risk we take if we routinely serve our children processed food lacking the natural nourishment, vitamins, and minerals found in real food.
Traditionally, Memorial Day weekend signals the beginning of the summer season of family picnics, grilling, and refreshing beverages. This summer, lets pledge to make a few small changes to help our children and families be nourished and not just fed. Let’s deliberately switch from being a processed nation to a healthier, Choosy Nation. Choosy Kids music CD, Choosy Nation, includes a variety of songs to help us get started making healthier choices.

Memorial Day is a holiday of reflection and respect, designed to pay tribute to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. Before we go to our picnics, Choosy encourages families everywhere to honor those brave souls who died while defending our freedoms. Hang a flag, go to a parade, visit a cemetery, or attend a local tribute event. But let’s remember to talk to your child about the true meaning of Memorial Day. Learn more about Memorial Day by checking out this slide show.

Let us know what you will do to help build a healthier, Choosy Nation and what you will be doing with your children on Memorial Day.

PS - Check out our sale at www.choosykids.com


About the Author: Linda Carson, Ed. D, is the founder and CEO of Choosy Kids, LLC, and the Ware Distinguished Professor Emerita at West Virginia University. An award winning, nationally recognized expert, Dr. Carson has devoted her career to promoting healthy preferences for young children and the adults who make decisions on their behalf. Click here to learn more about Linda.

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