However, the majority of us in the U.S. buy a large portion of our pantry staples are in cans, boxes, and bags. This doesn't mean we aren't eating healthy, but it does require some extra sleuthing on our parts, as consumers, to know what we are putting in our bodies.
It is extra important if we are raising children! I have recently tried to reduce the amount of sugar my family is consuming (and have eliminated it completely from my diet temporarily - YIKES!). I am constantly scanning pasta sauce labels to see if there is sugar added, and searching for unsweetened applesauce (which is just as sweet as the sugared-up kinds!!!).
But I haven't gotten rid of sugar completely. In fact, I discovered a tasty cookie that I feel comfortable packing in my son's lunches (in moderation, of course!). I try to bake from scratch, but time hasn't allowed for much of that the past few weeks, so I grabbed a bag of Barbara's Bakery Snackimals (Chocolate Chip), and fell in love! Sadly, I ate almost an entire package myself in just two sittings. The second package, my husband finished off! (I'm not even sure my son has eaten more than a handful......)
They are made with organic ingredients and no artificial junk! These make a great kids' organic snack that does have sugar, but in moderation will satisfy that sweet-tooth craving in a more healthy way!
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As I said, I have temporarily given up sugar and I do miss those Snackimals! But it has been a fun challenge to see where sugar creeps into packaged items. I'm on day 13 of a 30 day "sugar fast", so wish me luck! I could really go for a Cherry Coke right now, but my body is really happy without the high-fructose corn syrup! ha ha
