Weighing the Facts
Today more than ever, Americans are not consuming the recommended allowance of fruits and vegetables. With our busy schedules and downsized budgets, inexpensive and pre-packaged foods are the preferred means to an unfortunately nutrient-compromised end. It’s hardly surprising to learn that the most common vegetable eaten by kids is a French fry. What’s the real cost of this edible convenience, and who pays the price?
Nearly 20 percent of American children are considered obese. These children can face emotional and physiological challenges that can create a negative impact for life. Some face social stigmatization and low self worth. They are more likely to have risk factors that lead to heart disease, such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol. In addition, they are more likely to be overweight or obese into adulthood, further raising risks for more serious health challenges.
An analysis of the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III) found that youth 5–10 years of age are not eating a variety of foods, leading to nutrient deficiencies. Moreover, their food choices have high intakes of fat. The dietary recommendation of 3–5 daily servings of fruits and vegetables is not close to being met. But how can we turn this around for our children?
Lifestyle changes, such as exercise and eating right, are the first steps. Healthy habits formed during childhood can last a lifetime. While kids are known for being picky eaters, implementing subtle changes to their diet over time may prove to be effective. Offer fresh fruits and vegetables throughout the day and at snack times. Provide a plate of juicy red grapes at breakfast or make strawberry banana smoothies and watch them disappear! Finally, add Vemma NEXT®, the daily supplement specifically formulated for children, to help fill nutritional gaps and provide nutrients essential to their healthy growth and development.*
Resources:
http://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/facts.htm
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm59e0803a1.htm?s_cid=mm59e0803a1_e%0D%0A
http://www.cdc.gov/HealthyYouth/obesity/
http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/elec_prods/subject/nhanes3.htm
Today more than ever, Americans are not consuming the recommended allowance of fruits and vegetables. With our busy schedules and downsized budgets, inexpensive and pre-packaged foods are the preferred means to an unfortunately nutrient-compromised end. It’s hardly surprising to learn that the most common vegetable eaten by kids is a French fry. What’s the real cost of this edible convenience, and who pays the price?
Nearly 20 percent of American children are considered obese. These children can face emotional and physiological challenges that can create a negative impact for life. Some face social stigmatization and low self worth. They are more likely to have risk factors that lead to heart disease, such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol. In addition, they are more likely to be overweight or obese into adulthood, further raising risks for more serious health challenges.
An analysis of the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III) found that youth 5–10 years of age are not eating a variety of foods, leading to nutrient deficiencies. Moreover, their food choices have high intakes of fat. The dietary recommendation of 3–5 daily servings of fruits and vegetables is not close to being met. But how can we turn this around for our children?
Lifestyle changes, such as exercise and eating right, are the first steps. Healthy habits formed during childhood can last a lifetime. While kids are known for being picky eaters, implementing subtle changes to their diet over time may prove to be effective. Offer fresh fruits and vegetables throughout the day and at snack times. Provide a plate of juicy red grapes at breakfast or make strawberry banana smoothies and watch them disappear! Finally, add Vemma NEXT®, the daily supplement specifically formulated for children, to help fill nutritional gaps and provide nutrients essential to their healthy growth and development.*
Resources:
http://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/facts.htm
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm59e0803a1.htm?s_cid=mm59e0803a1_e%0D%0A
http://www.cdc.gov/HealthyYouth/obesity/
http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/elec_prods/subject/nhanes3.htm