The United States is experiencing a crisis of obesity, which is well-known. In 2020, an alarming 42.4% of adults in the United States were classified as obese. Sadly, this is also true among children, with a 19.3% obesity rate among those aged 2–19. When compared to the 5.5% for children in the 1970s, that figure clearly indicates an issue. Then why are these figures going up? It all begins with the staples of the American diet.
The Epidemic of Ultra-Processed Foods
Nowadays, diets heavily consist of ultra-processed foods. These foods are typically inexpensive, easy to store because of preservatives, and filled with artificial flavors to make people want to eat them instead of nourishing them. There is an abundance of pizza, cookies, chips, and frozen meals because they take up most of the shelf space in grocery stores.
Where is the issue? Many harmful substances, including sugar, corn syrup, and artificial flavoring, are packed into ultra-processed foods. The irony is that the downsides of ultra-processed foods are the very reason for all the “positives” that are linked to them.
The impact that ultra-processed foods have on young people is particularly concerning. Children are the ones who consume them in excess because they are easy to obtain and taste good. The majority of the calories consumed by children and adolescents in 2018 were from foods that were highly processed, according to a recent study published in the medical journal JAMA.
Not only are ultra-processed foods laden with harmful ingredients, they also have the added risk of causing excessive food consumption. The subjects whose diets were more heavily processed consumed an additional 508 calories daily and gained an additional two pounds every two weeks on average, according to a study that contrasted the effects of a processed food diet with an unprocessed food diet. Conversely, individuals who ate whole, unprocessed foods managed to shed two pounds every two weeks on average.
The vicious cycle of overeating that ensues from relying on ultra-processed foods is compounded by the fact that they are both unhealthy and cause increased hunger.
Future Outlook for Kids
It will be more challenging for children to maintain these unhealthy habits as they grow older if they get two-thirds of their calories from very unprocessed foods, according to the statistics. Obese children have a fivefold increased risk of becoming overweight or obese adults compared to children of normal weight, according to the CDC.
This is why it’s so important to teach kids to eat well from a young age; that way, they can live long, healthy lives and continue the trend when they’re adults.
Super CinnaBuns from Courtesy Million Mom Movement
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Advice for Encouraging Your Children to Avoid Processed Foods
- Keep a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, and other healthy options stocked in your kitchen to fuel your family with nutrient-dense meals.
- Encourage your children to stay hydrated with water and limit their intake of sugary drinks.
- Prioritize restful sleep to prevent overeating and lack of motivation to stay active.
- Incorporate our Family Nutrition Pack into your routine to make healthy living even easier.
- Say goodbye to the S.A.D (Standard American Diet) and hello to a R.A.D (Real American Diet) that supports the health and well-being of your family.
- Join the Million Mom Movement to connect with a community dedicated to family nutrition and start making positive changes together.
- Remember that small changes can make a big impact on your family’s health and well-being.
Recipes That the Whole Family Can Enjoy
Want to find family-friendly recipes? Why not give these a go?
