5 Ways fast food is killing your kids
We all know that fast food is bad for us, however, most of us still indulge in the unhealthy stuff despite knowing its consequences. This corncerns me particularly because that means by default we are also feeding it to our kids. Now, I'll be the first to admit that growing up I loved making trips to McDonalds or Wendy's.
But as I got older I took control of my health and eliminated fast food completely. It is especially crucial to teach your kids the dangers of them if you want them to live a long and healthy life.
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Fast food is the go-to for many parents because it is easily accessible and cheap which is ideal for families who are looking to save a buck and feed all their children. The issue is the food itself is questionable, lacks nutrients, and is partially to blame for our country's obesity epidemic.
If that wasn't bad enough, there are plenty of more reasons we should STOP feeding our children this junk! Trust me, after you read this list, you will no longer be taking your kids to these joints.
Future health problems: Studies have shown that kids who regularly eat fast food are at a higher risk of developing illnesses such as asthma, heart disease, diabetes, and other health problems. The damage the food causes now can even affect them when they are older.
Fast food is brainwashing you kids: Social media, TV, and other forms of technology, allow fast food companies to promote themselves anywhere your kids frequent. Whether it's Facebook or their favorite TV channel, they are faced with ads for fast food. A study 2012 study found that preschoolers were being exposed to over 1,000 ads a day of fast food chains.
Eating extra calories: A shocking report found that when kids eat fast food, they are eating more calories than when they have a homecooked meal. Young children are taking in 160 extra calories while teens are eating 310 calories more than they should.
Damages their immune system: If your child isn't eating whole grains, fruits, vegetables and other food with nutritional substance, they most likely have a weak immune system.These foods provide macro and micronutrients the body needs to fight off diseases, that fast food lacks.
Affects school performance: A study done on 12,000 students found that those who ate fast food several times a week performed worse on exams compared to kids who didn't. The lack of nutrients also made them more susceptible to depression, being tired, and having low self-esteem.
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