Junk Food

I told a parent today that her daughter needed to stop eating Hot Cheetos and you know what she said? Oh! I didn’t know that Hot Cheetos were bad for her! Hmm…I thought. Doesn’t everyone know junk food is bad for you! Maybe not. So I’m telling you… Junk food is bad for you! It offers no nutritional value and yet loads our kids with extra calories. This puts them at risk for obesity and later health complications.

If you haven’t seen the movie “Super Size Me” by Morgan Spurlock then put it on your must watch list. I highly recommend it. It’s an eye opening look into what eating fast food exclusively for an entire month will do to your health! I have had to curtail the fast food myself when my two year started eating only the french fries. At one point I was actually cajoling her to eat the greasy hamburger as well! Ideally you want to offer a child treats in a moderate manner. Give fast food no more than one time a month. Children need to eat mostly fresh fruits, vegetables, lean meats, low fat dairy and whole grains. Give juices moderately. And rarely give processed snacks. If high fructose corn syrup is in the first 10 ingredients then don’t eat it! One exception is children under two years of age do not need a low fat diet. They need the calories for their growth and development.

Whatever your child’s weight is you need to watch what they are eating. Don’t think only about reducing calories but think of their overall health. Fill your house with nutritious foods. I see a lot of people look at their child and say, “See? I told you no more eating junk food”. But unless they are older, they have no other access to food except the food you provide for them. Be a good role model and eat healthy yourself. And don’t forget to indulge in the occasional treat. As long as we are moving in the right direction then we’re doing well.


Dr. Sheila Cason