Easy Eating

Fast food is popular amongst teenagers particularly as it is readily available and most delicious. Parents are very busy in their careers and often do not have the time to prepare wholesome, delicious and nutritious meals for their children. This, however is not the most beneficial way to raise children and especially teenagers.

Peer pressure is the reason many teenagers eat fast food, as they are frowned upon if they bring packed lunches. Tuck shops at school are guilty of stocking up on unhealthy food and sugar loaded snacks. As a result, many teenagers who participate in this way of life gain weight by getting hooked on this unhealthy food and then become a laughing stock and very unpopular with their peers, whose genes can deal with such food. This makes for a very negative situation which could even lead to suicide as these youngsters are not able to live with this form of ridicule. Parents have a big role to play in guiding their children. They can't just stand by and do nothing. If there is a weight problem, a parent should or must take control and allow the youngster to see a dietician or doctor.

However, this does not stop these teenagers from devouring fast foods. It is easier to buy fast food than to prepare a healthy smoothy or a nutritious sandwich that will take time as teenagers look for instant gratification.

The above states clearly why teenagers love fast food so much. We can also deduce that a problem here is laziness, which is most probably a result of a poor example from parents. It is so easy to just pick up the phone and order a pizza, which I must admit is mouthwatering and does not include any preparation.

Advertising and marketing make junk food so appealing. I think that its not just teenagers, but most of us who are drawn in by this negative influence.

Youngsters should understand how food works. Carbohydrates should make up a small part of eating and sugar should be cut out. I have found a few sweeteners new on the market which are healthy. 3 portions of fruit daily are healthy and then the main part of our diet should be made up of protein and vegetables. Nibbles such as nuts ( almonds, preferably), rice cakes, rye crisp bread, sugar - free yogurt and all food with a low glycemic index. Labels should be carefully checked for undesirable ingredients.

Having fun with food is possible!! We are blessed to live in an era of healthy substitutes, even chocolate. We do not have to suffer with a way of eating baring down like a curse on our backs. Problems have solutions. Enjoy living.

Sources : Own content experience and study.