FORT LAUDERDALE, FL (NewsReleaseWire) December 27, 2009 -- The vast availability of high-fat, high-sugar, and high-calorie foods in school cafeterias across the country has come under fire as an obstacle in preventing and treating childhood obesity. Parents, teachers, and children alike have voiced concern over the types of foods being offered and the overall lack of healthier alternative choices -- not only for overweight and obese kids, but for all kids.

?Fried foods, highly processed foods, and foods high in fat and sugar just don't cut it,? says nutrition researcher Diana Hunter. ?Kids need whole foods and foods that contain moderate amounts of healthy fats. They need options that taste good and are good for them -- and they need to be taught the nutritional value of individual foods so they are able to make better choices."

Like many others, Hunter also notes that school vending machines filled with junk foods and high-sugar drinks add to the problem. She further notes that when kids also eat breakfasts at school and are provided classroom snacks, the situation is often intensified.

From another perspective, Hunter points out that when parents send kids to school with junk-filled lunches and provide them with a less-than-healthy overall diet at home they aren't giving kids the tools they need to make better food choices at school. She emphasizes that it?s critically important for parents to find and provide nutritionally sound foods their kids actually like.

"Changes need to be made," remarks Hunter. "That?s where parents, teachers, and school boards come in. It needs to be a united effort..?

Hunter suggests the following to help kids make better nutritional choices and avoid overeating:

? Teach kids about good nutrition from the earliest age possible

? Teach kids how to make sound food choices in spite of advertising

? Take kids shopping and teach them how to read labels

? Involve kids in making home lunches

? Foster good eating habits and set a good example

? Teach kids safe food preparation

For more information visit FoodSmart.org.

Diana Hunter is an award-winning author and nutritional researcher. She is currently on national tour with her latest title, FoodSmart: Understanding Nutrition in the 21st Century.



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