See the big picture when it comes to food
A recent national survey revealed that moms are more concerned with individual ingredients rather than their children’s overall caloric intake. Since total calories typically determine weight gain and even obesity, parents must understand the basic nutritional facts to keep their kids healthy.
“Many accusations today rely on speculation that tries to link single ingredients, including sweeteners such as high fructose corn syrup, to obesity,” says Dr James M Rippe, cardiologist and biomedical sciences professor at the University of Central Florida. “Americans are eating more of everything – it’s the excess calories and sedentary lifestyle that are having the greatest impact.”
Focus on healthy eating often misplaced…
The survey asked 400 moms from across the nation what their biggest nutrition concerns were for their children as they return to school. When asked what they are concerned with when buying food for their children, half responded with sugar (50%), trans fat (50%) and high fructose corn syrup (49%), while only one quarter cited the caloric content of food.
However, having their children eat healthy is also a top priority for parents. The majority of those surveyed (64%) have concerns about their children’s health and nutrition as they return to school, despite the fact that nearly seven in 10 moms (68%) indicate their children’s schools have wellness policies. Concerns included that their children won’t eat healthful foods including fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy products (20%) and that they will choose junk food when not being supervised or provided with specific food choices (18%).
Single ingredients don’t make kids fat
Many parents see high fructose corn syrup as the sole bad guy when it comes to sweet foods, but no single food or ingredient is the cause of obesity or overweight children, says Dr Rippe. In fact, the caloric density of high fructose corn syrup is relatively low – only 4 calories per gram, compared to 9 calories per gram for fats – and research confirms there’s no difference between how our bodies metabolize high fructose corn syrup versus products such as table sugar or honey. Further, high fructose corn syrup contains no artificial or synthetic ingredients.
The American Medical Association concluded in June 2008 that “high fructose corn syrup does not appear to contribute to obesity more than other caloric sweeteners”, and consumption has been dropping in recent years. Yet the rates of obesity and diabetes in the US continue to rise, Rippe points out. “And in many other parts of the world, obesity and diabetes are on the rise despite having little or no high fructose corn syrup.” He emphasizes that it’s caused by eating too many calories and getting too little exercise: “Excessive calories – from whatever source – can promote weight gain in children and adults alike.”
What can parents do?
- A father of four daughters and a practicing physician, Dr Rippe is uniquely experienced with the challenges of fostering healthy habits among children. He notes:Good nutrition is important year-round, so that kids get the nutrients they need to grow and develop properly. But it’s especially important to keep in mind as students go back to school because research shows that good nutrition leads to better academic performance and improved behavior.
- Good nutrition is important year-round, so that kids get the nutrients they need to grow and develop properly. But it’s especially important to keep in mind as students go back to school because research shows that good nutrition leads to better academic performance and improved behavior.
- A sugar is a sugar, whether it comes from honey, high fructose corn syrup, table sugar, or fruit juices. Nutritionally they’re all the same and moderation is the key.Kids should be encouraged to eat breakfast each day. Even if time is short, nutritious, on-the-go foods like cereal bars and fruit or milk, are good options.Be a good role model for your child when it comes to healthy habits.
- Be a good role model for your child when it comes to healthy habits.
- Physical activity is vital. Programs that encourage movement are getting more attention.