Dietary habits are set in childhood and tend to persist throughout life. From birth, parents control what children consume, starting with the choice of bottle or breast. Research shows that many American children today are more overweight than ever before. As a result Type II diabetesonce only diagnosed in overweight and inactive adultshas reached epidemic proportions in children. In addition diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and stroke are being diagnosed at a younger age. As more and more parents work, meal quality is often sacrificed for convenience. Companies spend billions of dollars each year marketing foods and restaurants that appeal to children but are not necessarily in their best interest, nutrition-wise. Children spend a lot of energy and consume a lot of calories as they grow, and growing kids need the best fuel possible. It's up to adults to both regulate a child's food intake and set good examples of healthful eating.
