eDiets.com reserves the right to delete any comments we deem inappropriate.
Are Junk Food Ads Responsible for the Rise in Childhood Obesity?
Like the post? Add Your Comments | Digg This Post! |
In a recent article, junk food TV ads shown during children’s programs doubled the number of ads 30 years ago. Surprise! I guess that’s why toddlers recognize the fast food chains even before they can speak. This would also explain why taking your child to the grocery store can be an absolute nightmare. “No not that one mommy, I want the blue box, it’s part of a balanced breakfast, that’s what the man said on TV”.
Michelle, DTR
Nutrition Specialist
“To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream, not only plan, but also believe.”
Labels: children
I think it is the parentization of free time that is contributing most to childhood obesity. By this, I mean that children are not allowed to run around freely in the neighboorhood, due to fear of kidnapping.
We all were outside from the time we got home from school, till dark or mom called us in from dinner. Summers, we spent in kid-designed activities: outside rollerskating, climbing, hide-and-seek games.
My children, who are now grown, were allowed to eat whatever they wanted--they had the sweet cereals, snacks, etc., along with regular meals. I never insisted they eat everything on their plate. Both are adults now (male), and both prefer non-sweet meals over snacks, and have always been NORMAL weight.
As soon as my older boy was 3 or 4, he played in a community court with older kids, with occasional adult checking up. His younger brother tagged along with him, and they ran and played in the neighborhood (and we did not live in an upscale neighboorhood either).
EXERCISE is what is lacking. We ate several times a week at their favorite fast food, and we had sodas in the home as well. Kids need to be kids.
They are many times more likely to be killed in an automobile accident than they are to be kidnapped by a stranger.
-beloved from ediets
I agree with the above comment, we need to let kids be kids.
More important parents need to learn that its OK not to keep chips in the house all the time. Also important to shut the TV off and go for a walk.
Besides the kids running around, I know people who will stop and ask if I need a ride when I am walking someplace. I have always walked places with my daughter and you know what she is better off now and loves to walk (she is 13). We need to stop driving, not getting up from the couch, etc.
Parents are the example and have control over what comes in the house. I don't allow sweet cereals all the time, but don't disallow them. I buy a bag of chips once in a while and DD will live.
Also the above made a really good point, didn't insist the kids clean their plates. Making someone clean their plates is making them ignore their cues that they are full. That is important. My daughter always had to eat veggies if she wanted desert, but if she was full then it wasn't an issue not to eat them, but you don't get desert because your full.
So my 13yo thinks salad and spinach and broccoli are great foods and asks me to make them:)
Parents need to learn what to eat and how to move, then they can set the example for their kids.
I think the rise of childhood obesity is lazy parents. I am not a parent but have several friends that have kids. When I watch their kids I make normal daily food for them like my mom did. NOPE they want McDonald's nuggets, or junk food like a frozen kiddie meals that have nothing good for them. I remeber eating fresh meals never did we get a forzen dinner. I had one friend tell me to warm up her kids milk in the microwave- I was shocked because I grew up thinking the microwave causes cancer... and I am starting to belive it since it has become so wide spread.
Thank you very much for sharing your thoughts. It is always great pleasure to read your posts.
Health News Blog is powered by eDiets.com
RSS/XML
