Protect your children from junk food: easy guide

The ubiquitous advertising targeted at our children is alarming, especially due to its impact on children's health. It's time to pay attention....

Unhealthy food vendors are relentlessly targeting children from a young age, instilling unhealthy eating habits.

As parents, it is essential to protect children from these harmful influences.

To better understand how we can shield our little ones from these nutritional dangers, we spoke with Dr. Ana María López, a pediatrician and expert in child nutrition.

Dr. López began by highlighting the importance of establishing good eating habits from a young age. "We must remember that eating habits established in childhood can last a lifetime," she tells us.

According to the doctor, a key strategy is involving children in the food selection and preparation process. "When children are involved in cooking their own meals, they develop a stronger and more positive relationship with what they eat."

She also emphasized the power of example. "Children imitate what they see," López stated.

Therefore, it is crucial for parents to demonstrate exemplary behavior by choosing and enjoying healthy foods over quick and nutritionally poor options.

One of the major challenges pointed out by López is combating marketing targeted at children. "We are fighting against huge advertising budgets that make unhealthy foods seem irresistible to children."

Her advice is to stand firm and clearly explain why certain foods are bad for their health: "It is vital to teach them to be critical of what they see in ads and understand how what they eat affects their bodies."

She also suggests finding healthier alternatives to children's favorite treats. "It's not about completely eliminating 'fun foods,' but about finding healthier versions that they enjoy just as much as the originals." Examples include making homemade pizzas with fresh ingredients or preparing natural fruit ice creams.

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The plan we suggest to follow

Here is an action plan that includes nutritional information:

1. Awareness and education

It is important to understand how junk food marketers use tactics such as colors, famous characters, and deceptive promises to attract children. Additionally, it is essential to teach children to be critical viewers of the ads they see. Questions like "What do you think is the purpose of this ad?" can encourage critical thinking about marketing strategies.


It is crucial to have open and honest conversations about advertising with children, explaining that ads are designed to sell products, not necessarily to promote healthy choices. Promoting media literacy is essential for children to become savvy media consumers.


2. Environment control and healthy habits

Limit screen time to reduce exposure to junk food advertising. Create a home environment that promotes access to fruits, vegetables, and healthy snacks, while limiting the presence of junk food in the pantry. Advocate for healthy snack programs and limit the marketing of junk food in schools.


3. Media literacy development

Teach children to analyze ads and detect deceptive tactics. It is important for children to recognize when they are being influenced by junk food advertising. Emphasize the power of saying no to unhealthy food and promote positive alternatives.


4. Highlight healthy alternatives

Focus on the benefits of healthy foods and make healthy eating fun for children. Being a role model and promoting healthy eating habits at home are key. Additionally, it is important to highlight the importance of supporting restrictions on junk food advertising targeted at children.


5. Demand changes and additional tips

Support strict regulation of junk food advertising targeted at children by contacting lawmakers and endorsing organizations that fight for a healthier food environment. Promote media literacy programs in schools and look for positive messages about nutrition.

Remember that this is an ongoing battle, and by being proactive, teaching children critical thinking skills, and creating a healthy environment at home, you can help develop a positive relationship with food for life. Also, look for ad-free streaming platforms and media that promote healthy eating in an appealing way tailored to children.

The nutrition expert we consulted emphasized the importance of regular physical exercise as a complement to a healthy diet. "Regular physical activity not only helps burn extra calories," she explained, "but also establishes an active lifestyle as the norm for them."

Dr. López leaves us with a final thought: "Our responsibility as parents is to guide them not only towards smart food decisions but also towards overall well-being."

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