As a parent, you want the best for your children. You want them to grow up healthy, strong, and full of energy. One of the ways you can ensure this is by watching what they eat. Unfortunately, not all foods are created equal.

Some foods can be harmful to your child’s health, and it’s important to know which ones to avoid.

1. Soda

Soda is full of sugar, artificial flavors, and colors. Drinking too much soda can lead to weight gain, tooth decay, and even diabetes. Instead, offer your child water, milk, or natural fruit juices.

2. Processed Meats

Processed meats, such as hot dogs and lunch meat, are often high in sodium and preservatives. They have also been linked to an increased risk of cancer. Opt for fresh, unprocessed meats like chicken or fish.

3. French Fries and Potato Chips

French fries and potato chips are high in fat, salt, and calories. They can lead to weight gain and other health problems. Instead, offer your child baked sweet potato fries or air-popped popcorn.

4. Candy

Candy is full of sugar and empty calories. Eating too much candy can lead to weight gain, tooth decay, and even diabetes. Instead, offer your child fresh fruit or a small piece of dark chocolate.

5. Energy Drinks

Energy drinks are packed with sugar and caffeine. They can lead to an increased heart rate, anxiety, and insomnia. Instead, offer your child water or natural fruit juices.

6. Canned Fruits

Canned fruits are often packed in sugary syrup and lose much of their nutrients during the canning process. Opt for fresh or frozen fruits instead.

7. Fruit Snacks

Fruit snacks are often high in sugar and preservatives. They may contain very little actual fruit. Instead, offer your child an actual piece of fruit or homemade fruit leather.

8. White Bread

White bread is often heavily processed and lacks essential nutrients. It can also spike blood sugar levels. Opt for whole grain bread instead.

9. Sugary Cereals

Sugary cereals are often high in refined sugar and artificial flavors. They can lead to weight gain and other health problems. Instead, offer your child unsweetened whole grain cereals with fresh fruit.

10. Ice Cream

Ice cream is often high in sugar and fat. It can lead to weight gain and other health problems. Instead, offer your child frozen fruit yogurt or homemade fruit popsicles.

11. Fried Foods

Fried foods, such as chicken nuggets and fried fish, are often high in fat and calories. They can lead to weight gain and other health problems. Instead, offer your child grilled or baked meats.

12. Donuts

Donuts are often high in sugar, refined carbs, and unhealthy fats. They can lead to weight gain and other health problems. Instead, offer your child homemade muffins or pancakes.

13. Processed Cheese

Processed cheese is often packed with sodium and preservatives. It may also contain very little actual cheese. Opt for natural, unprocessed cheeses.

14. Juice Boxes

Juice boxes are often full of sugar and artificial flavors. They may also contain very little actual fruit juice. Instead, offer your child fresh fruit or homemade smoothies.

15. Fast Food

Fast food is often high in calories, fat, and sodium. It can lead to weight gain and other health problems. Instead, opt for healthy restaurant options or homemade meals.

16. Bacon

Bacon is often high in sodium, fat, and calories. It has also been linked to an increased risk of cancer. Instead, offer your child turkey bacon or grilled chicken.

17. Soda Crackers

Soda crackers are often high in sodium and other processed ingredients. Opt for whole grain crackers instead.

18. Syrup

Pancake syrup is often packed with sugar and artificial flavors. Instead, offer your child natural maple syrup or honey.

19. Margarine

Margarine is often high in unhealthy fats and preservatives. Opt for natural butter or spreads made from olive oil instead.

20. White Rice

White rice is often stripped of essential nutrients during processing. It can also spike blood sugar levels. Opt for brown rice or quinoa instead.

21. Processed Snacks

Processed snacks, such as chips and crackers, are often high in sodium and preservatives. They may also lack essential nutrients. Instead, offer your child homemade trail mix or fresh vegetables with hummus.

22. Sweetened Yogurt

Commercial yogurt brands are often high in sugar and artificial flavors. Opt for natural, unsweetened yogurt instead and add fresh fruit for natural sweetness.

23. Processed Juice

Processed juice, such as apple juice, is often high in sugar and lacks essential nutrients. Opt for fresh fruit or homemade fruit juice instead.

24. Ketchup and Other Condiments

Ketchup and other condiments are often high in sugar and preservatives. Opt for natural, homemade options instead.

25. Popcorn Toppings

Popcorn toppings, such as fake butter and flavored powders, are often high in sodium and artificial flavors. Instead, offer your child air-popped popcorn with natural toppings like cinnamon or grated cheese.

26. Sports Drinks

Sports drinks are packed with sugar and artificial flavors. They may also contain very little actual nutrients. Instead, offer your child water or natural fruit juices.

27. Bottled Water

Bottled water may contain harmful chemicals and toxins. Opt for filtered tap water or natural spring water instead.

28. Pre-packaged Meals

Pre-packaged meals are often high in sodium and preservatives. They may also lack essential nutrients. Instead, offer your child homemade meals made with fresh ingredients.