Dangers of Junk Food

Did you know you can teach your kids how to eat healthy?  

It’s no secret that getting kids to eat right can be a challenge, especially when they’ve become accustomed to junk food. From a brain biology standpoint, we know junk food raises the dopamine in the brain, which is a chemical associated with the pleasure centers.

It alters metabolic signals, meaning you’re hungrier for up to three days longer after a single serving of junk food. Plus, the food you eat may make you full, but you’re not filling your tank with high-quality nutrients. The result is a vicious cycle in which the brain keeps sending signals to eat more in order to get  essential vitamins and minerals.

So how can parents wean their kids off junk?  Identify what they crave and give them healthy alternatives with similar properties. If your kids love pizza, it may not be the cheese or the bread they like, but the tomato sauce. Identify what they love and maximize it. Also be careful not to withhold certain foods just because you don’t like them.

If you hate something, your child will likely reject it unless you recognize the food’s inherent goodness and offer it out of love.

Disclaimer: This information is not meant to diagnose or fix any specific medical concern. It is meant to offer insight about potential health issues and risks, and to encourage you to research ways to become healthier. These statements have not been reviewed by a medical professional. Please check with your health care provider(s) prior to making any change that could potentially interact with medications or health conditions.