The Prevalence of Fast Food in Diets
While some fast food restaurants have introduced healthier kids’ meal options, many restaurants continue to provide high-calorie, nutritionally poor menu options that have harmful effects on students’ diets.
“Take care of your body. It’s the only place you have to live.” -Jim Rohn
Today’s children and youth are hooked on fast food. According to the latest Fast Food FACTS, 33% of children and 41% of teens consume fast food every day. While some fast food restaurants have introduced healthier kids’ meal options, many restaurants continue to provide high-calorie, nutritionally poor menu options that have harmful effects on students’ diets.
The Alliance for a Healthier Generation has some tips that students – and adults – can follow for better fast-food choices. Share the following tips with the families in your program to promote healthier food options:
- For a healthier main course, order baked, broiled or grilled chicken.
- Avoid sandwiches with fried or breaded chicken.
- Ask for a whole-wheat bun or bread, which often has more fiber than white. Also, pack your sandwich with tomato, lettuce and onion to get more vegetables into your diet.
- Pass on sides such as fries or onion rings for a healthier alternative, like a side salad or fruit.
- Skip that carbonated soda for water, juice or milk.
For more on the Alliance for a Healthier Generation and ideas for promoting health and wellness in your program, go to http://www.healthiergeneration.org.
