A new study conducted by researchers at National Taiwan University and the University of Arkansas and published in the Journal of Happiness Studies (yes, that really is the name), shows that children who regularly eat fast food and sugary soft drinks are more likely to be overweight. The findings may not be surprising, but the research did point out one surprising fact. Children who regularly eat fast foods are happier than children who eat more healthfully, which gives new meaning to the phrase “fat and happy.”

Researchers conclude that in order to successfully encourage children to eat better, one should “focus on ways that could compensate the potential reduction in degree of happiness in children.”

Source: Journal of Happiness Studies

Photo, Flickr, Zentolos

Let’s face it, we live in a fast food world. I really try to make dinner every night for my family on weeknights, but weekends are something different. Most of the time we try and cook at home, but every once in a while we just need to swing past a fast food joint and pick up something quick.

That’s why this article was of interest to me. In it, they give a grade to popular “sit down” fast food restaurants. (Places like Unos, Chilis, Outback, etc.) Not surprisingly, those places got very poor grades. (Most of them in the “D” range.)

The silver lining of this article came with this fact that places like McDonald’s actually scored fairly well (in the “B” range.) They’ve been trying to create more and more offerings that are actually good for people. It’s funny, those are truly the “fast food” type of places and they are doing a better job than the sit-down restaurants at providing healthy alternatives.

Image: sxc.hu.

It seems that the continually rising number of children who are considered obese, has hit a peak and is at a stand still. Will this cessation in the increase hold, or will people revert back to their old ways? Summer is here and families will be vacationing. Will the break prove detrimental to the ability to keep excess weight off? I certainly hope not. There are plenty of ways in which we can help our children to stay away from the trap that is obesity. Fast food is the biggest offender in the downfall of dieters.

Have you ever taken the time to read the nutrition facts on a Mc Donald’s menu? Take a look. Scary, isn’t it? Let’s take a pretend trip through Mc Donlad’s Drive Thru. Would you like a Double Quarter Pounder w/ Cheese? The sandwich will deliver a whopping 42 grams of fat!! That is 65 percent of the overall daily allowance, and 96 percent of your allowed saturated fats. Would you like fries with that? Then go ahead and add another 25 grams of fat. You are now over the allowed daily percentage of fat. Need a drink to swallow the saturated truth? I suggest some water and a laxative, to rid your body of the enormous amount of lard and sodium you just consumed. 

My advice to parents who are sincerely concerned for their family’s health and future…steer clear of fast food. The faster it is, the more unhealthy it is. Opt for a quick stop at Subway, where you can order the sandwiches without mayonnaise and with extra veggies. Also, try to keep healthy snacks in your car, for instances when the kids are hungry and the temptation to stop at a fast food place, is strongest. Busy families on the go and road trippers can especially benefit from some stored health snacks in a travel kit. Make sure to replenish once a week, or as needed.

Above all, encourage your kids to make good choices, without being forced. Reward their good choices and continually teach about the value of good health. Do not stress body image, rather emphasize internal well being. The goal is to raise kids to be aware of their choices and well educated on the reasons why we eat healthy. They are more likely to become health conscious adults, if they have a good example to follow and plenty of direction. 

(cartoon: Daryl Cagle)