Here are some examples of healthy foods that kids can enjoy:
Children need a healthy diet to grow happy and strong Share icon Image credits: egrigorovich (not the actual photo) However, this dad was completely unbothered by such a fact, feeding his children purely fast food Share icon Share icon Share icon ADVERTISEMENT Share icon Share icon Image credits: djoronimo (not the actual photo) Share icon ADVERTISEMENT Share icon Share icon Share icon Image credits: lolamillyrosie Children and teenagers in the U.S. receive 67% of their calories from highly processed foods Fast food or junk food is an umbrella term for foods that are full of fats, sugars, and salt, which provide a lot of calories and energy but are relatively low in other important nutrients such as protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
This alarming statistic highlights the growing concern about the nutritional quality of children’s diets. The study also revealed that children and teenagers in the U.S. consume an average of 100 grams of sugar per day, which is significantly higher than the recommended daily intake of 25 grams.
This statement highlights the importance of a balanced diet for children’s health and development. A balanced diet provides all the essential nutrients that children need to grow and thrive. Let’s delve deeper into the potential consequences of a diet lacking in essential nutrients.
Poor nutrition can have a significant impact on academic performance, leading to lower grades and difficulty concentrating. Fast food and sugary drinks are particularly problematic, as they provide little nutritional value and can lead to energy crashes. **Detailed Text:**
The link between poor nutrition and academic performance is undeniable. A diet lacking in essential nutrients can significantly hinder a child’s ability to learn and thrive.
This empowers them to make choices and feel more invested in the healthy eating habits they are learning. Involving children in meal preparation is also a powerful tool for teaching them about food and its origins. For example, visiting a farm or a local market can be a great way to connect children with the source of their food. This hands-on experience can foster a deeper understanding and appreciation for the food they consume.
However, Zhang notes that the responsibility of tackling this problem shouldn’t only fall on the caregivers. While parents and children should consider replacing the highly processed foods with minimally and unprocessed meals, changes in policy level are needed to achieve a more broader and long-term effect. Just like it happened with the consumption of soda when the sugar tax and raising awareness about the effects of sugar dropped sweetened beverages to 5.3% from 10.8% of overall calories. “We may have won this battle, at least partially, for some sugary beverages,” Zhang says, “but we haven’t yet against ultra-processed foods.” ADVERTISEMENT
Share icon Image credits: Caleb Oquendo (not the actual photo) The mom provided more information in the comments Share icon Share icon Share icon Share icon Share icon Share icon ADVERTISEMENT Meanwhile, readers offered some advice Share icon Share icon Share icon Share icon Share icon Share icon Share icon Share icon ADVERTISEMENT Share icon Share icon Share icon Share icon