My personal approach has been to not view the heavily advertised items in the ways they're marketed. For example, if you're thirsty, the advertising world says to have a Coke or Pepsi. No. If you're thirsty, have water. The tv world says water is boring, and we need to add flavor or color to make it interesting. No. So many millions of children have no access to clean water and are dying of water-borne diseases. Plain, clean, clear water is a blessing. Sure, it's ok to put a lemon slice or berries in it, but no one needs purple fizzy water, except for at an occasional birthday party.
The world says breakfast should be comical and fun and entertaining, so we need cereal with shapes and candy in it. No. Breakfast should be fuel for the day: nutritional and full of protein, like eggs, whole grain toast, steel cut oats, fresh fruit, yogurt, etc. The world says we need yogurt with rainbow colors and candy to mix in it. No. Plain organic Greek yogurt with raw honey and fresh berries is a great alternative.
The advertising world says we need to get meals on the table with as little effort as possible, and heavily promotes canned doughs, instant soups, meals from boxes, frozen vegetables in salty sauces with artificial colors. No. We need to teach our children what fresh vegetables taste like, and how to make a real soup. We need to teach them how to make real food and spend that precious time together using real food to make real meals. The commercials show the family throwing together a few processed ingredients in the microwave, then sitting down to talk. Why don't we talk with our kids WHILE we're preparing a fresh salad, grating real cheese, slicing vegetables, taking time to taste and learn about ingredients. Even the littlest kids can tear lettuce leaves and wash cherry tomatoes. Those cooking experiments can be a wonderful family time, and the kids will learn valuable life lessons.
We must teach our kids to read labels, to understand artificial sweeteners and processed additives, and to make good decisions about their meals, snacks, and beverages.