10 Foods that Could Be Making Kids Fat

Are you unintentionally making your child fat? The label may not be politically correct, but the truth is, there are a number of seemingly harmless ways that well-intentioned parents can contribute to childhood obesity. Parents, are not necessarily at fault, however. Many foods and snacks can be major contributors to excess calories and ultimately extra pounds.

When genetics, medical conditions, and individual metabolism are taken out of the equation, these ten foods can add to increased weight in children, when consumed without limitation.

1. Soda

Soda companies may not be too happy, but the high sugar content and calories in soda can add up. Kids who drink regular amounts of soda get all the calories without any nutritional value. Empty calories and sugar can add to weight gain.

2. Little Debbie Snacks

It was a surprise to find that one Little Debbie fudge round has 300 calories and 100 of those from fat. For a small treat, this snack packs in the calories and adds an unwanted dose of saturated fat. Just two Little Debbie Fudge Rounds will add 600 calories.

3. Supersized Fast Food

By now many people are aware of the overwhelming amount of calories in many of the supersized specialties at fast food restaurants. A large french fry and a Whopper will provide enough calories for at least two meals for most children. Throw in an extra large soda and add another 500-600 calories.

4. Ice Cream Products

Not all ice cream is necessarily bad, but size matters and sundaes, milkshakes, smoothies, Blizzards, and other ice cream treats will add more than one serving of dairy to children's diets. As an occasional treat, ice cream is fine, but the calories and the extra syrups, candies, whipped cream, and larger sizes can add up if this is a diet staple.

5. High Fat Lunchmeats

Sandwiches made with processed meats and high calorie/fatty meats such as bologna, salami, or sausage add calories to any diet. Serving size matters, as well as how much condiments are added, such as mayonaise. Leaner meats such as low fat ham or turkey are lower on the calorie scale.

6.Sweetened Breakfast Foods

If it tastes like a bowl of sugar, it probably is. There are a number of high sugar breakfast foods marketed at kids. High-sugar cereals cancel out the nutritional benefits by packing a bowlful of sugar. Pop Tarts and similar toaster goodies are nearly all sugar and calories. A box of chocolate covered Hostess donuts also ranks up there on the not-so-good-for-breakfast list.

7. Fried Dinner (especially chicken)

Fried foods contribute fats and cholesterol to kids, especially when they are disguised as kid-friendly nuggets. Chicken nuggets are one of the most popular kid foods, yet not one of the healthiest. The small serving sizes can also lead to overeating, since the small sizes can be eaten in bitefuls.

8. Candy

All kids seem to like candy in every form and the commercialization of the holidays makes it near impossible for kids to avoid being treated with candy. Halloween, Christmas, Valentine's Day, and Easter are all holidays high on the candy load. Kids who are left to overeat these sweet treats on a regular basis will be getting extra sugar and calories added to their diet.

9. Processed Instant Meals

Processed foods contain calories and often high amounts of sodium. The convenience of Easy Macs and canned pastas may be tempting for busy parents but kids who only eat these type of dinners will miss out on healthier homemade dinners, which contain less sodium and often less calories.

10. The American Hot Dog

Hot dogs are one of America's favorite foods, yet the protein for calorie punch is lacking with the hot dog. Hot dogs are made up of a mix of processed meats and a high amount of sodium, making the hot dog one of the worst calorie choices for proteins.