Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Healthy Options for Children Living in a Fast Food World



We have all seen the news about parents suing fast food restaurants for their children's obesity. It is my side of the golden arches or the parents on this issue, the fact is that obesity is rising problem for our nation's children. Meals consist of processing chicken nuggets, french fries loaded with fat, and sugar-filled soda do nothing but expand our children's waistlines.

With a growing number of households where both parents are working, people are looking for quick and easy dinner options. Unfortunately, restaurants such as McDonalds and Burger King are all too happy to meet those needs. Let's see how the average kid's meal stacks up nutritionally recommended Food Pyramid for Children average chicken nugget kids meal contains 520 calories and 23 grams masti.Tipično cheeseburger kids meal contains 650 calories and 25 grams of fat.

to their recommended energy intake for children 1-3 years of age need 1,300 calories a day, 4-6 years old need 1800 calories a day, and 7-10 years of age need 2,000 calories a day. So, depending on the type of food chosen and the child's age, could easily consume half of their calories for the day with only one meal. It is not leaving much for the other two meals and snacks anytime. No wonder obesity is becoming such a problem with many children consume far more calories than is recommended.

Then we have the whole issue of fat. It is recommended that the amount of calories from fat be less than 30% of total calories. All these dishes give too much fat. Too much fat in the diet can lead to major health problems of children in the future. Among those health problems as heart disease and high blood pressure.

In addition, these foods do not provide fruits, vegetables or grains. They are all vital to a healthy baby in the diet to ensure you are getting all the vitamins and minerals that they need. For example, 8 year old child needs 1.5 cups of fruit and povrća.Sretan Meals provided none of the half-cup they should be getting at each meal.

So what can you do busy parents to ensure that children eat healthier when your busy schedule dictates the need to eat fast food? A good choice for busy parents once a month cooking. All meals for a month in advance and freeze. These dishes are then thawed and reheated when needed. This ensures that the family will always have a healthy meal when time is very neizvjesna.Cijela family can get involved in planning a healthy obroka.Djeca can help cook too! In this way, those unhealthy Happy Meals can be avoided completely.

Many parents are faced with picky eaters. So what's a parent to do if your child refuses to eat anything but regular fast food fare? Find ways to make your favorites at home and make them healthier. Chicken pieces can be coated in crushed Fiber One cereal and baked for a tasty alternative to the Chicken Nugget. Homemade french fries can be sprayed lightly with olive oil and bake until crisp for a heart-healthy alternative to deep-fried french fries. Be sure to offer a variety of fruits and vegetables and sides. Your child may protest at first, but eventually they will become accustomed to the new way of eating.

If you absolutely have to go with fast food, the best options are taking advantage of the alternative side of the item. Most fast food restaurants now offer alternatives to the standard french fries and soda. Encourage your kids to the apple slices and mandarin oranges instead of fries and milk instead of soda. At least this way they will get one of the servings of fruits and dairy products.

No matter where you eat dinner, do not forget to exercise. This is an important aspect of the food pyramid recommendations for children. Children should strive to sixty minutes of exercise most days. Parents should do their best to be fun for the kids. Enroll their children in dance or karate lessons. Encourage them to participate in sports. Take a family walk after dinner. Spend a Saturday hiking through the woods near the State Park. If your children enjoy it, it is more likely to continue into adulthood. Their health will greatly benefit from the added activity.

so that the next time your child asks to be the golden arches, a smile on your child and let them know that Ronald McDonald is taking a break from cooking tonight, because you'll be eating at Mom's Diner. Your child's arteries will thank you

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