FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
Q: My mom says I eat too much "junk food". I'm hungry all the time between meals, so is it really that bad to eat chips, and chocolate and all that stuff?
A: "Junk food" is food that is usually high in fat, salt, or sugar and low in other nutrients. Junk food still nourishes your body, so it's not all bad … but it can be a bad thing when that's ALL you choose to eat.
Your body needs a lot more than just fat, salt and sugar to keep you going. Did you know that your body uses more than 50 different nutrients? This is why you need to eat foods from all categories of Canada's Food Guide to Healthy Eating. If you're "hungry all the time", you're probably still growing (if nothing else your bones are still developing until about age 25), so eating good food is even more important for you than it is for your parents.
Also, the foods you choose can make a difference in whether or not you develop diseases like cancer, heart disease, and diabetes later on in life. "Junk food" is OK once in awhile, but here are some healthier snack choices to consider. They only take a few minutes to make - and mom will be so proud!
| Grain Products | Vegetables & Fruit | Milk Products | Meat & Alternatives | |
| Spread peanut butter on a sliced apple or a banana | X |
X |
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| Open up a yogurt and toss in some dry cereal and some fresh fruit (grapes, berries) | X |
X |
X |
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| Take a slice of bread, add a slice of tomato, and cheese; melt in the toaster oven or broiler | X |
X |
X |
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| Toss milk, fruit juice and fresh fruit into the blender - instant "smoothie" | X |
X |
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| Open a can of refried beans or a can of tuna, spread on a pita and sprinkle with cheese - "nuke" to melt cheese | X |
X |
X |