Impact of Junk Food

May 23rd, 2007

“I am doing a school project titled JUNK FOOD. Would love to get some questions answered from nutritionist if possible. This study already changes my diet, like to use it to influence other kids in my school.”

Q: I am doing a school project titled JUNK FOOD. Would love to get some questions answered from nutritionist if possible. This study already changes my diet, like to use it to influence other kids in my school.

How is Junk Food unhealthy for you, and why?
Why did you decide to become an nutritionist?
What other choices can you make that are healthier then junk food?
Which everyday steps can you take to consider a healthy eating habit?
Did you have any experiences with junk food, and how?
What are the side effects of the overeating of junk food?
How much junk food in a day balances your diet?
Are there a lot of kids in the USA who have bad eating habits? Why?
Why are saturated fats unhealthier then unsaturated ones?
What do you advise kids to eat on a daily basis to be considered healthy?

Ok, this is kind of a long one but all these questions were great. Keep them coming!!

How is Junk Food unhealthy for you, and why?

I consider junk food a food that doesn’t give much nutritional value. When people follow a balanced diet a little “junk food” here or there isn’t so bad. When people fill their diets with “junk food” like chips, candy, cheeseburgers, fries and soft drinks they fill up on food that doesn’t give them the nutrition they need to be healthy. Junk food also tends to be high in empty calories and fat.

Why did you decide to become a nutritionist?

I decided to become a nutritionist because I was always interested in being healthy.

As a nutritionist and registered dietitian I get to be the food and nutrition expert. This allows me help people everyday with something we all care about…food!

What other choices can you make that are healthier then junk food?

There are lots of foods you can eat instead of junk food. Try snacking on good for you foods that taste great too! Eat fruits like grapes, apples, bananas, oranges….anything you like. Dip them in low fat yogurt for a fun treat. Try easy to eat veggies like baby carrots, cherry tomatoes and celery sticks. Add a little low-fat ranch you are ready to go. For packaged snacks try baked potato and tortilla chips, whole wheat crackers with peanut butter or low fat or fat free pudding. Low fat chocolate milk can also satisfy a chocolate craving while still giving you lots of great nutrition!

Which everyday steps can you take to consider a healthy eating habit?

Healthy eating starts one day at a time. Make small goals for yourself, once you have achieved one goal pick another. Some examples of good goals would be to eat one piece fruit for a snack instead of chips everyday or to eat breakfast everyday. Good nutrition doesn’t happen overnight, you have to work towards it!

Did you have any experiences with junk food, and how?

I have experiences with junk food every day. I know that my problem areas are chocolate and salty snacks. I try not to keep “junk food” around because I know I will eat it! To satisfy my sweet tooth I like chocolate frozen yogurt and fat free pudding. To keep my taste for salty foods in check, I eat whole grain crackers and nuts (only a small handful at a time). There are lots of ways to make healthier choices without giving up the stuff you love.

What are the side effects of the overeating of junk food?

Overeating junk food is an easy way to eat a lot of calories and unhealthy saturated fats. When a person eats more calories than they burn off in physical activity, this can lead to weight gain which increases the risk for chronic health problems like heart disease and diabetes. Overeating saturated fats can also increase the risk for heart disease.

How much junk food in a day balances your diet?

It is okay to have your favorites every now and then as long as they make up the smallest part of your diet. If you eat a healthy, balanced diet and get lots of physical activity, a treat now and then is OK.

Are there a lot of kids in the USA have bad eating habits? Why?

Unfortunately, there are lots of kids in this country with bad eating habits. There are also lots of reasons. Some kids don’t know what foods are good for them and what foods are bad for them. Junk food usually tastes good and is packaged to appeal to kids. Another problem is that portion sizes of junk foods can be way to big. It is important for kids and teens everywhere to ask good questions like these and tell their friends. If kids and teens start asking for healthy foods people will listen!

Why saturated fats are unhealthier then saturated ones?

There are different kinds of fats out there and you have to be careful. Saturated fats are found in meat and other animal products, such as butter, cheese, all milk except skim and lots of junk foods. Eating too much saturated fat can raise blood cholesterol levels and increase the risk of heart disease. Unsaturated fats are found in plant foods and fish. These can be found in olive oil, canola oil, tuna and salmon. These are good for you to keep your heart healthy.

What do you advise kids to eat on a daily basis to be considered healthy?

There are lots of things you can do everyday to be healthy. Here are just a few:

• Start your day with a good breakfast. Breakfast gives your body the fuel you need to have energy for the rest of the day.
• Snack smart! Choose healthy snacks, like we talked about above, and don’t go too long without eating.
• Eat less junk food and more fruits, vegetables and whole grains!
• Be physically active everyday. Walk, run, play sports, bike, dance, skate or swim. Do whatever you love, just get moving.
• Check out www.mypyramid.gov and www.mypyramid.gov/kids for lots more great tips on how to eat right, be active and stay healthy.

I hope this helps you with your report!

Arianne RD