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Healthy kid's snack..?! Not really...

pixiechick8321
pixiechick8321 Posts: 284 Member
edited October 2024 in Recipes
I really dislike when "healthy" is applied to everything - some things aren't healthy even though they may be good.

For example, (from: http://www.parenting.com/article/oatmeal-snack-cakes)

Oatmeal Snack Cakes
1/2 cup butter, room temperature
1/2 cup shortening
1/4 cup white sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
3 Tbsp boiling water
1/2 tsp baking soda
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup whole wheat flour
1 1/2 cups rolled oats, pulsed several times in a food processor
1/4 tsp salt
(serving size not specified)

This recipe is billed as a healthy snack for your kids or a great breakfast on-the-go.

Butter.... that much? Not healthy
Shortening .... as if the butter wasn't enough
TWO kinds of sugar....not really great
All-purpose flour? Not great

And oats don't make something healthy...

Sure it sounds good, but not healthy - that much fat and sugar isn't ideal...instead try a healthy oatmeal cookie using less sugar, applesauce, and less butter/shortening.

Any "healthy" recipes you know of that don't actually meet that word's definition? What changes would you make to them?

Replies

  • sarabell619
    sarabell619 Posts: 12
    I've actually seen a lot of things like this lately and I just said the other day that it seems like adding oats to something allows them to market it as healthy! Even a lot of oatmeals are marketed as a "smart start" or "healthy start" and they contain sugar, brown sugar, flowers, dyes, and extra flavorings.
    It's no wonder America's so darn fat!
  • Mamakatspokane
    Mamakatspokane Posts: 3,098 Member
    WOW, not sure how anyone could think that was healthy..butter, shortening & two kinds of sugar? Kind of sounds like a regualar cookie to me!
  • perrytyra
    perrytyra Posts: 357 Member
    I don't even carry shortening in my house. I used to get Smart Balance shortening just for those few things I needed a little for, like pie crust. But they discontinued it.
  • idauria
    idauria Posts: 1,037 Member
    Yup. That's why as parents(or anyone really) we need to read labels and check ingredients. I don't let my kids eat sugary cereals. I try to limit sweets and encourage them to eat fruit. It really is amazing what is considered healthy. It's not just about fat either. A lot of products out there tout that they're fat free but they are loaded with sugar!
  • Wyoruby
    Wyoruby Posts: 175 Member
    I've learned that fat is not our enemy, yes you need to watch it and keep it under control. The main culprit is the sugar. So if I have a choice I go for full fat items instead of the fat free or less fat since they are loaded with sugar. I'm sure you could make this recipe healthier by substituting out the butter and lard for pumpkin and applesauce. And doing sugar substitute instead of the sugar!!
  • pixiechick8321
    pixiechick8321 Posts: 284 Member
    I agree that fat's not the issue - I love avocado, for example... but butter and shortening in high amounts? That's a problem...

    Sara - I agree! But sadly, people aren't able to understand the subtle marketing that goes on and thus they "trust" what they are told!

    Wyoruby - pumpkin would be great this time of year! An oatmeal pumpkin "cookie" made without the high sugar and butter with maybe some natural pb on top and fresh fruit and milk would make a much better breakfast...
This discussion has been closed.

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