Sugary drinks and high-calorie junk foods still plague children’s
menus at most restaurants and national food chains despite some restaurants’
efforts to improve nutrition. Researchers at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of
Public Health claim to have found “no meaningful improvements” in kids’ menus since
the launch of the National Restaurant Association’s Kids LiveWell Initiative in
2011. They also found that while some restaurants avoid soda as the default
beverage, other sugary drinks have taken their place.
Sugary drinks make up 80 percent of children’s beverage options,
according to the American Journal of
Preventive Medicine
. The study, "Trends in Nutrient Content of Children's
Menu Items in U.S. Chain Restaurants," revealed that more than one in
three children and teenagers are consuming fast food every day. Eating more
restaurant food is associated with higher daily calorie intake from added sugar
and saturated fats.
"Although some healthier options were available in select
restaurants, there is no evidence that these voluntary pledges have had an
industry-wide impact," said Alyssa Moran, a doctoral student in the
Department of Nutrition at Harvard Chan School. "As public health
practitioners, we need to do a better job of engaging restaurants in offering
and promoting healthy meals to kids."
Maintaining a balanced and nutritious diet is essential not just
overall health but for oral health too. “One can of soda is the amount of sugar
recommended for three days for a child,” says Dr. Mary Hayes, pediatric dentist
and ADA spokesperson. Water, especially fluoridated water, is the
best beverage for maintaining oral health, and fluoride helps to make teeth
more resistant to acid and prevents cavities. Plain milk and other dairy
products, such as cheese and yogurt, are low in sugar and are often a better
option for kids. Also, phosphorus-rich foods, such as meat, poultry, fish, and
eggs, help to strengthen teeth through protein.
However, if a child is a picky eater, it may be easier to start with
fruit since fruits and veggies are an important part of any balanced diet and
oral health. Fruits like grapes, bananas, and strawberries are often more
appealing to kids. They’re high in water and fiber, which helps to naturally
clean teeth. For snacks, parents can switch to whole wheat bread and leaner
lunch meat, and instead of ice cream sundaes, opt for yogurt sundaes. Set out
fruit and granola as toppings opposed to sprinkles and candy pieces. Children
who eat a variety of interesting snacks are less likely to ask for chips and
soda.
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