Poor nutrition results from poverty and a lack
of education regarding healthy eating. Children who regularly consume
foods that are low in nutrition suffer negative consequences that
encompass many parts of their lives. Strides are being made in schools
to provide more nutrition curriculum and to raise the standards for
school lunches. In the meantime, parents who understand how important
healthy foods are can give their children a head start in making a
healthy life for themselves.
Foods That Offer Poor Nutrition
Foods that are considered to be of poor
nutritional quality are those that are high in fat, calories, salt,
sugar and cholesterol and contain little to no vitamins or minerals.
This includes fast food, processed snacks, candy, cake, cookies, soda,
frozen meals and many of the ala carte options offered in school
cafeterias. According to the United States Department of Agriculture,
children who eat fast food consume less milk, fiber, fruit and
non-starchy vegetables than those who don't. If children are filling up
on these low nutrient foods, they are at risk of being deficient in
nutrients that help them grow and develop throughout childhood.
School and Performance
Children who don't fuel their bodies and
brains with nutritious foods cannot focus and perform as well on school
work. The Baylor College of Medicine reports that a healthy breakfast
results in improved attention, quick recall, less errors and better
concentration at school in the morning. It can be assumed that a healthy
lunch provides these same benefits for the rest of the school day. A
poor breakfast is one that is high in sugar, such as a doughnut or
toaster pastry. Children need to eat whole grains, low-fat dairy, eggs
and fresh fruit in the morning. A consistently poor diet robs children
of the opportunity to learn to the best of their abilities.
Risks
The risks associated with poor nutrition are
many and children face lifelong issues if they don't get healthy foods
on a daily basis. Obesity is one of the major concerns that children
face when they eat poor diets because they are too high in fat and
calories, which results in a continued weight gain. Other health risks
include heart disease, depression, high blood pressure and diabetes, all
of which are exacerbated by being obese. Overweight and obesity affects
more than one in three children, reports the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention. A poor diet also contributes to tooth decay,
anemia and osteoporosis.
Recommendations
Overhauling a child's poor diet is the key to
reducing the risk of health problems and poor school performance.
Children should eat a variety of foods from all the food groups at meals
and snacks, including fruits, vegetables, lean protein, low-fat dairy
and whole grains. These foods cover a child's needs for fiber, vitamins A
and C, iron, calcium and heart healthy fats. In addition, children
should be getting at least 30 minutes of daily exercise to supplement
their healthy eating habits. Limiting poor nutritional foods leaves
plenty of room in a child's stomach to fill up on nutrient dense foods.
