You play an important role in shaping your child's current and future eating habits. She is more likely to make healthy eating choices for life if you regularly present her with nutritious snack and meal options such as fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, low-fat dairy and whole grains. Conversely, she is at risk of having increasingly bad health if junk foods are a major part of your family's life.
Weight Gain
Processed foods, such as refined sugar, tend to be major contributors to excess calorie intake because they're easily accessible cheaply in large portions -- enjoyable to the taste buds, but not very filling or nutritious. As a result, a diet rich in junk foods is linked with an unhealthy weight. Research published in a 2006 issue of the "Journal of Adolescent Health" showed that teens are at even greater risk of picking up unhealthy eating habits as they become more independent. According to the study, teens who skip breakfast and eat larger quantities of fast food are increasingly likely to gain weight.
Risk of Cardiovascular Disease
Trans fats are commonly found in fast food, doughnuts, toaster pastries, stick margarine, cakes, candy, crackers and microwave popcorn. These fats, which are produced by hydrogenating oil, are linked to heart disease risks such as high cholesterol and blood fats. Children who start consuming trans fats by age 3 or 4 are likely to develop heart disease earlier than children who don't consume trans fats, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Most people do not develop heart disease until their 40s or later, but children as young as 8 have exhibited heart disease risk factors. By limiting your child's intake of trans fats, you can help reduce his risk of having heart attacks and strokes later in life.
Increased Tooth Decay
Increased sugar consumption is one major culprit in tooth decay in kids. Sugar that lingers on teeth helps bacteria grow on the teeth, and the acids produced by the bacteria cause decay. Sugary junk foods such as gummy candies might be more obvious causes, but many sugary liquids such as soda and fruit juice cocktails can also lead to tooth decay. Your child or teen might indulge her sweet tooth from time to time, but cut back on regular intake of sugary treats. Also encourage healthy teeth brushing habits and don't allow her to sleep or walk around with a sippy cup full of sugary beverages -- even milk and fruit juice -- to further reduce her risk of tooth decay.
Reduced I.Q.
According to a study published in a 2011 issue of the "Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health," children who regularly eat diets rich in processed foods -- which include foods such as frozen dinners, packaged cakes and cookies, sugary cereals and breads made with refined flour -- have an average I.Q. five points lower than the average of kids who ate healthier foods. Although the difference in I.Q. levels is small, a study author notes, the study's findings suggest that diet affects a child's ability to cope with life and education.
References
- KidsHealth from Nemours: Carbohydrates, Sugar and Your Child
- MedlinePlus: Tooth Decay
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Feature Stories -- Trans Fats 101
- Lifespan: Teens Take Heed -- No More Breakfast Skipping and Fast Food Feasting
- "Journal of Epidemiology and Health"; "Diet and IQ in Children"; K. Northstone et al; February 2011
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Ideas to Help Children Maintain a Healthy Weight
