We've all seen the newspaper articles about the parents suing fast food restaurants for their children's obesity. Whether you side with the Golden Arches or the parents on this issue, the fact is that obesity is a rising problem in our nation's children. The diet consists of processed chicken nuggets, french fries loaded with fat, sugar-filled soda and do nothing but expand our children's waistlines.
...to their recommended energy intake for children 1-3 years of age need 1,300 calories a day, 4-6 year olds need 1800 calories a day and 7-10 govina need 2,000 calories a day. So, depending on the meal and the child's age, they could easily consume half of their calories for the day with just this one meal. It is not leaving much for the other two meals and any snacks. No wonder obesity is becoming such a problem with a lot of children consuming way more calories than what 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 of these meals provide way too much fat. Too much fat in the diet can lead to significant health problems for these children in the future. Among these health problems are heart disease and high blood pressure.
In addition, these meals do not provide any fruits, vegetables and whole grains. All these are vital to a healthy baby in the diet to ensure you are getting all the vitamins and minerals they need. For example, an eight year old child needs 1.5 cups of fruits and vegetables. The Happy Meals provide anything from a half-cup they should be getting at each meal.
So what can parents do to take to ensure that children eat healthier when a 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. They were then thawed and reheated meals as needed. This ensures that the family still have a healthy meal when time is very neizvjesna.Cijela family can get involved in planning healthy meals. Children 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 do if their child refuses to eat anything other than regular fast food fare? Finding ways to make your favorites at home and make them healthier. Chicken pieces can be applied in a broken fiber cereals and baked chicken for a tasty alternative to the Nugget. Homemade French fries can be lightly sprayed with olive oil and bake until crisp in a heart-healthy alternative to deep fried French fries. Be sure to offer a variety of fruits and vegetables as a side. Your child may protest at first, but eventually will get used to the new way of eating.
if you absolutely have to go with fast food, the best options are taking advantage of the alternative items. Most fast food restaurants now offer alternatives to standard French fries and soda. Encourage children to the slices of apples or mandarin oranges instead of fries, and milk instead of soda. At least this way they will get one of their servings of fruits and dairy products.
No matter where you eat dinner, please 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 make it fun for children. Enroll your child in dance or karate hours. Encourage them to participate in sports. Take a family walk after dinner. Spend a Saturday hike 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 additional activities.
So, next time your child asks to be taken to the Golden Arches, a smile on your child and tell them that Ronald McDonald is taking a break from cooking tonight because you will be eating at Mom's dining room. Your child's arteries will thank you
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