 
JUNK THE JUNK FOOD
July, 2004
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!
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