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Keeping kids away from junk food

junk_food_is_not_good_for_children - Dr Prem

 

Ours is a world of temptations and addictions. Among these addictions and cravings, one is very prominent and very deadly for children and adults also. This is ‘junk food’. Food which is very low in nutritious values and high in sugar, calories and fats is termed as junk food. When food is made from white flour and has high level of trans/saturated fat, coloring agents, and preservatives it is labeled as junk food. It is deficient in nutrients which are essential for good, healthy and balanced diet.

Despite being low in nutrition junk food is very popular. The reason for its immense popularity is that junk foods are very easy and quick to prepare and very tasty. Junk food addiction has spread to all the age group, all races, and all countries. The most affected group is that of children. It is a matter of concern for parents to keep children away from Junk Food.

Reasons for children’s affinity to junk food

Our society is in a transition phase where every aspect like relationship, life style etc. are changing very rapidly. Children witness around them the new life style which is dominated by wafers, pizzas, burgers, and colas – made available by the extremely popular fast food brands like Mc Donald’s, Pizza Hut, KFC, and so on. Gradually food rich in nutritious values is being swapped by junk food which is more fashionable and tasty but low in nutrition.

Affects of junk food

Studies have shown that junk food can lead to rise in cholesterol level, increase in blood pressure, and can cause adverse effect on liver. Despite these studies and facts many people consider junk food to be not so harmful. The colors which are added to junk food to make them attractive are usually inedible. Foods like chocolates and snacks have a lot of artificial colors. These colors can also be carcinogenic and have adverse effect on your body and digestive system. Research shows that children can suffer from hyperactivity due to the intake of these coloring agents. This also leads to a drop in the level of concentration. It has been seen that the diet pattern of childhood has a lot of effect on the health of the individual. If childhood diet is poor it may lead to osteoporosis and hypertension. Children are the most susceptible as a diet poor in nutrition can lead to slow growth, tooth decay and also to obesity. This causes ill-health and unbearable diseases.

Keeping children away from junk food

Every parent knows the ill effects of junk food and its implication on the health of children, so they want and try to keep their children away from junk food. But this is very difficult for them nowadays, as junk food is being sold on every nook and corner of the streets and being advertised extensively. To keep your children away from junk food you need to make a plan and follow it religiously. You can include the following tips in the plan:

1. Start the process early, at the time your child starts to eat. Bring in healthy foods in your child’s life. These can be milk, fruits etc.

2. Explain your child the harms junk food can cause to their health and body. A food chart, rich in nutritious food, and which will enable your child to have a healthy and balanced diet can be made and pasted in his room.

3. When your child achieves something, do not reward it with junk food.

4. Instead of junk food restaurants opt for healthy restaurant to celebrate the occasion and to eat out

5. If you are avoiding giving junk food to your child, you are ensuring that he/she has good health, so you should not feel guilty for depriving your child of junk food.

6. Pack nutritious lunch for your child.

7. Use your creativity and prepare tasty alternative healthy food options for your child.

8. Involve your child in physical activities. This will lead to a healthy life.

9. Be a model for your child and opt for healthy food yourself also.

Sooner the better, so start this regime of eating healthy for yourself as well as your child from today. Build an environment at home which is health conscious and your children will follow it also. Bestow your children with a healthy life and good health.

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