How Sugary Drinks Affect Childhood Obesity

By Becki Andrus

Childhood obesity is a condition that is starting to affect more and more children. Currently, children as young as 6-11 are about 20% likely to be obese. Thirty years ago, this number was down to 5%. That means that the childhood obesity rate has more than tripled in just 30 years! Many are concerned that this number will continue to increase in the coming years.

There is some debate over what exactly is the cause for the increase in childhood obesity. Some claim that it is due to kids watching more television and playing video games and spending less time being physically active. Others point to the fast food industry and how children are beginning to crave these foods more than healthier options. Others state that a large number of the advertisements kids see are for sugary and salty foods, which make them desire them more.

Truthfully, there is no one reason why childhood obesity is on the rise. It is a combination of all of the factors mentioned above as well as many others. And though each of these factors play a large part in the increase in childhood obesity, many experts point to sugary drinks as one of the primary culprits.

Sugary drinks like soft drinks and sweetened juices are heavily advertised to children. Television commercials often promote these drinks in such a way that kids start to crave them. They then ask their parents for these drinks. Parents often have difficulty saying no because the sugary drinks are always the most prominent in grocery stores, and good alternatives are difficult to find.

Another major problem is that the sugary drinks are much cheaper than the alternatives. Go to any store nowadays and it is rare to see even a bottle of water that is less expensive than an equally sized soft drink. In order to save money and make their kids happy, parents will often buy the sugary drinks.

The problem with this is that these drinks do not quench thirst, they produce it. The sweetness in drinks make kids want them even more. They can also make kids want to eat equally sugary foods. These cravings lead to an unhealthy lifestyle which can cause obesity.

In order to prevent your kids from falling into this behavior, try to find other drink alternatives for them. Look for drinks that state "100% juice" because then you know that they are made from natural ingredients. However, even if you choose these drinks, it is important to regulate how much is consumed. Natural sugars are preferred over artificial ones, but they can still have similar adverse health effects if over consumed.

It is fine for kids to drink sugary drinks, but make sure they are also drinking other things. Couple their drinks with healthy foods that are rich in nutrients. Be sure to encourage your kids to by active and physical so that they burn off the calories they eat. Following some of these tips will help to prevent your children from suffering the consequences of obesity.

Healthy eating habits are very effective in improving the overall health of you and your family. Learn how to easily implement a healthier lifestyle by visiting my website at http://EverydayHealthGirl.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Becki_Andrus/166100

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Fresh Salad Is a Healthier Snack  

 by Mazen Hawa

Nothing can be better that a fresh salad in a hot summer day! The added advantage of having a salad is that they will not be adding extra calories that you detest or at least crave to reduce. Many of us try to cut down on calories and end up every week, with a new one because we have left it somewhere in the middle. The primary culprit behind this is that mid-time snack we splurge on and enjoy, to feel guilty later on. Even though we know it is not good to have that extra bowl of cheesy fries, we just indulge, because nothing else is in front of us.

The best way to stop this craving is to find some great salad to enjoy and cut down calories. I know, salad may not sound as interesting and exciting as a cheesy fry, but there are ways in which we can make it colourful.

Salad, although brings to our mind of those mixtures of veggies, fruits and all that nourishing nuts, may not sound so tempting when we are ravenous. However, when we give it a gentle twist to it and have every ingredient put together to make it more scrumptious, it can turn out to be a great snack to have and relish.

There are ways in which you can make a salad mouthwatering and delicious:
€ Fresh salads made of just fruits and vegetables may not sound so tempting. A small amount of your favourite dressing added to it, can add on to its appeal.
€ Nuts are nourishing and contain far fewer calories than our cheesy fry. Add a handful of mixed nuts, to make that a significant twist in the middle. This salad can make a healthy, nutritious snack.
€ Why not add a few pieces of meat, lean pieces, to make it nutritious, but at the same time, not calorie full.

There are many other ways by which you can mix and match to produce some outstanding salads. If you do not have enough ingredients, try out some salad joints, which specialise especially in this healthy snack item.

Richys.ae is one of the leading online Salad destinations in Dubai offering its signature salad.

A fresh salad is always refreshing and easy to fix up a snack or a main meal. One can have salad everyday and still be greedy. The secret lies in how you fix it up and make it interesting and fascinating every day.

http://goarticles.com/article/Fresh-Salad-Is-a-Healthier-Snack/9931252/