Hey kids! How many of you like to drink soda, and eat things like candy or French Fries? I'm going to guess that the answer is nearly every one of you! Why do you like these things so much? Probably because they taste good, right? But if something tastes good does it mean that it is good for your body? In the case of these junk foods the answer is No! Candy and other sweets are loaded with sugar.
This sugar has no nutritional value and a very high chance of being stored as fat in your body.
Soda is also loaded with sugar and calories, just because you drink it and you may not feel full doesn't mean your body isn't taking these things in!Fried foods are very high in calories and are loaded with fats that are not healthy.
Not only are foods high in sugar and fat not good for you, they can actually be harmful to your body! They could cause your teeth to develop cavities, and they can make you feel tired, moody and cranky! When you eat candy, soda or fried foods on a regular basis you have a high chance of becoming overweight or obese.
When you are overweight or obese it means that you are carrying more fat weight on your body than is normal for your age and height and which can be harmful to your health.
There are an estimated 25 million kids in the United States who are overweight or obese, and the problem is getting worse! All of this extra weight is causing a lot of health problems.
Kids are getting sick with diseases such as diabetes (die-uh-bee-tees) which affects the way your body uses sugars for energy.
High blood pressure and asthma (as - muh) are two other diseases that overweight or obese kids are at high risk for.
These illnesses have big names and may not be simple to understand.
It's easy to think "That's not going to happen to me".
But sadly, it is happening.
These are serious diseases that are very harmful and are affecting the quantity and quality of the lives of kids everywhere in the United States.
The great news is that there is hope! Most of these cases of overweight and obesity can be prevented or treated by exercising and eating right.
That means limiting sugary and fattening foods! I know that it seems they are lurking in every corner.
Soda machines, candy bars, chips, pizza and French fries are readily available at stores, in school and basically everywhere you go.
It is up to you to start making healthy choices for you and your body.
Maybe you think that since you are a kid you don't have to eat healthy or exercise because it doesn't matter.
But the truth is, it does matter and it is very important for you to make healthy choices starting now! Eating right and exercising are important habits that you need to create for yourself.
These are things that you need to do for the rest of your life, not just for a short period of time.
The sooner that you get in the habit of leading a fit and healthy lifestyle the better! Skip the fried foods, skip the candy and skip the sodas.
Instead feed your body with the right foods.
Eat things that are going to keep you energized and healthy! Talk to your mom and dad about eating healthy foods when you are at home.
It is important that they know you want to make nutritious food choices.
If you want to start eating healthier things, does this mean you can never have a soda or candy bar again? Absolutely not!Eating healthy doesn't mean eliminating treats from your diet completely.
It just means that these things are eaten in moderation and not on a daily basis.
You can start making healthy choices today.
Eat some fruits or vegetables or drink water instead of soda.
Even a small change in your eating habits can make a big difference when it comes to your health.
Don't let junk foods hold you back from being the most fit, healthy and active kid possible! You have the power to make the right eating and exercise choices, do it now don't wait another moment!