Parents’ Views on their Childrens’ Diets

Original Article: https://thehill.com/changing-america/well-being/longevity/4616139-most-parents-dont-think-standard-american-diet-is-healthy-for-children

Concerns About the Standard American Diet

A recent poll by the University of Michigan’s C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital has revealed that most parents don’t consider the typical American diet healthy for children. This diet often contains high levels of unhealthy ingredients like saturated fats, added sugars, sodium, and refined carbohydrates. Only about a third of surveyed parents believe that the standard American diet is suitable for their kids, suggesting widespread recognition of its potential negative effects on health.

Efforts to Promote Healthy Eating

Despite concerns about the standard American diet, the majority of parents actively work to instill healthy eating habits in their children. Many parents prioritize healthier food choices while grocery shopping or meal planning, with a focus on limiting foods high in added sugars or fats. Additionally, nearly all parents make efforts to ensure their children eat vegetables, employing strategies like serving greens daily or involving children in selecting and preparing vegetables.

Approaches to Portion Control

Parents also adopt various strategies to manage portion sizes and encourage balanced eating habits. While the majority give children slightly less food than adults in the family, only a small percentage enforce strict portion control. Many families encourage children to try different foods or offer incentives for finishing meals, while others permit seconds under certain conditions. Overall, these findings highlight parents’ proactive efforts to promote healthy eating habits and address concerns about the standard American diet’s impact on children’s health.