The protective effects of fruit and vegetables are well understood by those who eat 5 to 9 servings every day of the year. Fruit and vegetables offer a protective effect against cardiovascular disease, diabetes and various forms of cancer.
When so many parents set goals at the beginning of a new year, it may be wise to consider recent published data.
Until recently, there was no data on the role of television viewing and fruit and vegetable intake among youth. However, in December 2003, the departments of Health and Social Behavior at Harvard published epidemiological evidence suggesting that television viewing is inversely associated with intake of fruit and vegetables among adolescents. Data showed that these associations may be the result of the replacement of fruit and vegetables in youth's diets by foods highly advertised on television.
What made the study influential and meaningful was the way in which it was conducted. The study included 548 ethnically diverse students with an average age of 11.7 years. These students, (all from public schools in 4 Massachusetts communities), were studied prospectively over a 19-month period. To control for variables and clustering of observations, linear regression analyses were utilized.
Even though there are numerous benefits associated with eating 5 to 9 servings of fruits and vegetables daily, few children consume adequate amounts. Recent data shows that only 1 in 5 children consume 5 or more servings daily. Moreover, 25% of the reported vegetables consumed were french fries.
As we look ahead to the new year, we know that children will do at least two things: Sleep and watch television. In fact, children 2 to 17 years old watch on average 22 hours of television per week, an activity only second to sleep in terms of total hours of engagement.
The potential mechanisms through which television viewing leads to health outcomes are only partially understood. Television viewing has been linked to a higher intake of dietary fat and obesity. But how does it contribute to poor consumption of fruits and vegetables?
The answer, in part, may be related to commercials on television. Of the almost 20,000 commercials a 2 to 11 year old child will be exposed to in one year, 56% will be advertisements for foods. Televised food advertisements may lead to misconceptions about the nutritional value of food.
Products marketed as "nutritious" have in fact low nutritional values. For example, more than 90% of cereal advertisements asserted that the food was "balanced" or "complete". And yet, objective analysis indicated that 44% of the foods were classified as fats, oils or sweet and sugary. It is speculated that children's nutritional knowledge may be biased by inaccurate marketing strategies.
This has important long term implications since dietary habits formed in adolescence are known to influence adult eating patterns. From a public health perspective, it is important to understand the determinants of adolescent eating behaviors if we are to reduce chronic disease risks in youth and beyond.
Pediatricians have tried, but failed. In 1992 the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended the eradication of televised food advertisements toward children; it has not happened yet.
As parents we can try these suggestions:
- Set an example yourself, by eating at least 5 to 9 servings daily.
- Take the children with you when you do the grocery shopping and make it fun by teaching them to spot the bad foods and telling you why the good foods are a better option.
- Use web sites dedicated to establishing good nutrition as additional resources, (see www.healthykids.ca for links to a number of these sites)
- Set goals as a family. When the children eat their recommended amounts of fruits and vegetables, celebrate by going on a memorable trip together.
- Take pictures of the whole family and hang the best photograph on the family's wall of fame as a reminder that good habits are possible and to be celebrated.
If all else fails, (fruits in a blender made up to be a "smoothie" drink; bribery; praise; and well-intended new year resolutions) consider taking a daily supplement, such as the thoroughly-researched, chewable Juice Plus products.
Small daily choices, made consistently, can indeed make a big difference over time. It is particularly true for eating healthier. The benefits are worth it; never give up trying. Remember to pay extra attention to the impact of those television commercials.
Access www.healthykids.ca for a terrific new resource in helping families raise healthy children - HealthyKids with Dr. Nieman will optimize your child's complete health.
An informed parent is ... an empowered parent.