Perils of Junk Food and How to Reverse Kids’ Bad Eating Habits

In an age of endless advertisement, many of them promotingcandy and junk food, children are susceptible to developing unhealthy eating habits, normalising high-calorie, high-sugar, low-nutrient foods.Studies indicate that consuming high-sugar junk food containing unhealthy fats contributes to obesity, increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and other metabolic disorders. 

Why are children attracted to junk food?

1. The sweet, salty, and fatty flavours trigger pleasure centres in the brain.
2. Advertisement jingles, catchy slogans, and colourful packaging with appealing designs/images add to the temptation to purchase junk food.
3. Ready availability in local stores, malls and shops near schools.
4. Eating habits among peers during breaks or lunchtime.

Children from a very young age are at the risk of associating junk food with positive emotional experienceor an escape from negative experiences, creating an unhealthy dependence on junk food. 

Impact of Junk Food on Children’s Health

When children frequently consume unhealthy foods, it can lead to health problems such as indigestion, obesity, nutrient deficiency and behavioural issues (such as mood swings, excessive cravings, and hyper or lethargy).

When children develop a habit of consuming junk food at a young age, it can be challenging to reduce their intake later in life.

How Parents Can Help Children Cultivate Healthy Habits?

Parents can use the following techniques to help children choose healthy and nutritious food over junk food:

1. Leading by example is the best way to help inculcate healthy eating habits among children.
2. Involvingchildren in meal planning, preparation or cooking (while ensuring their safety in the vicinity of kitchen equipment).
3. Provide healthy snack alternatives, such as makhana, nuts, fruit, whole grain salads, or green leafy crepes, in healthy quantities.
4. Educating children about essential nutrients and portion sizes.
5. Organizing excursions to local soil-based/hydroponic farms and local farmer’s markets.

Conclusion

In this article, we have glimpsed why children are highly attracted to junk food and how their environment in which they belong can affect their decisions. At CMR Gandhi Public School, one of the best CBSE schools in Bangalore, we encourage positive learning and healthy habits. Our guest lectures, in-class awareness talks, and educational field trips have made a considerable contribution, shifting children’s mindset from getting tempted to unhealthy snacks to making healthy choices. Whether you are looking for the best CBSE schools near Marathahalli, preschools in Sarjapur Road, play schools in Sarjapur Road, or good CBSE schools in South Bangalore, we are dedicated to providing quality education and promoting well-being. We also offer Montessori-based programs and are in various locations, including schools near Sarjapur and schools near the HSR layout.

If you would like to learn more about our programs and efforts to cultivate a healthy lifestyle among children, please visit our social media platforms, such as Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or X. Additionally, kindly visit our webpage for a comprehensive understanding of how we integrate health education into our curriculum. Together, we can work towards building a healthier future for our children.