JUNK THE JUNK FOOD

We live in a society that glamorizes youth, fitness and health. Yet many of us succumb to bad habits such as eating a poor diet and consumption of junk food. We see commercials and ads about what we should look like and are also bombarded by advertising for junk food. No wonder we struggle with conflicting and guilty feelings. Can obesity, eating disorders and body image problems be a product of all these mixed messages?

Our children are also at risk for these conflicting messages. They are taught by parents and teachers to eat right and exercise, but they see their heroes and role models (athletes/celebrities) hawking soda and junk food. And what about Saturday morning commercials selling sugary cereals and junk food? And to make matters worse many of our schools have junk food and soda vending machines. We try to teach them what is healthy and then we sabotage our message with school lunches and vending machines. Many of the revenues from these vending machines are used for various academic and after-school activities. Do our teachings and lessons about health become confusing and meaningless in this sea of contradiction?

Are you depressed yet? Hopefully depression will lead to anger and a commitment to making a difference. We must be an example for the younger generation, who we all have an obligation to pass down our wisdom to. Children really do watch what we do very carefully and these models on a daily basis are invaluable. Combining good habits and education is an antidote to all the other negative influences referred to above. Almost one-third of the U.S. diet consists of sugar-filled cans of soda and bags of potato chips. Junk food or empty calories accounts for almost 25 percent of all calories eaten by Americans. On the other hand, nutritious foods such as fruits and vegetables account for 10 percent of the total calories consumed by Americans.

In regards to children, good habits when started young form a foundation they can return to even after the teenage years when they may begin to make unwise food choices. They need to experiment as they get older but many will return to the healthy foundations they learned early on. A good breakfast is very important that does not include sugary foods. A healthy lunch at school either by bringing a prepared lunch or discussing what are healthy choices at school is vital as well. Cooking a healthy dinner that includes lots of vegetables, whole grains that are not processed and good quality protein is a great way to end the day and prepare for a clear mind for homework. Good health and clear messages begin at home. And as far as junk food goes- junk it!