Junk food can simply be defined as any food that provides minimum nutrients with a very high amount of calories; empty caloric foods. These foods tend to be more appealing to the consumers as a result of their ever great taste, attractiveness and their advertisements. The busy nature of the 21st century has made these quickly accessible foods preferred to cook by many. With these foods comes the health issue; the food have been recognized to cause a wide range of lifestyle diseases and conditions (Fister 331).
The health hazards accompanying the consumption of fast foods have made the development of alternative eating cultures and curbing solutions important. The apparent affinity between fast foods and the young generation has resulted to hardness when it comes to elimination of these foods from their diet. Therefore, with the need for a quick solution, the transformation of fast foods from their current unhealthy state to healthier versions is the most effective and feasible strategy.
Awareness on junk food lacks dramatically in a high percentage of the population. According to a recent survey, 90% of parents agree that junk food advertisements are making it tougher for them to support healthy eating in their homes. The few healthy foods advertisements are being undermined by the high number of junk food advertisements. It is thus a prerequisite to educate parents on the effects of these foods in the health of their offspring so that they can be able to make informed choices (Scaglioni 22).
Awareness programs should focus on topics such as identification of junk food, the health effects of junk food, how to shift from a junk food culture to a healthier one among others. Many people don’t know how to identify which foods are junk in the stores. They should be educated on the reading of labels on the food packages. The health effects of consumption of junk food should be well communicated. Fast foods are coupled with low nutrition value, calorie, sodium and high fats, these foods have a statistical association with the development of diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular diseases and these conditions can cause mortality.
Transformation of junk foods to healthier alternatives is one of the most efficiency and effective ways of implementing change and should thus be part of these awareness programs. A change in the preparation methods and the recipes of these foods can cause a considerable change in their nutritional values. Modification of the recipes by reducing the amounts of fat, sugars and sodium should be advised. The use of whole grains in making pastries instead of refined grains reduces their glycemic index thus preventing the risks of developing diabetes and other related conditions. Decreasing the amounts of sugar used in beverages such as milkshakes is a positive move in reducing the average daily sugar intakes. Fat as an ingredient can be reduced in the preparation of foods by using alternative cooking methods like baking, grilling and steaming. Potato chips are still delicious and appealing if boiled, basted and well baked instead of frying. Trimming of excess fat in meat, can also be done in foods like pizza and burgers.
Awareness as strategy of action regarding fast foods is beneficial in that it promotes the making of informed decisions. Knowledge is main key in effecting change, and with people knowing what they eat and the expected outcomes, a better attitude towards fast foods is inevitable. The campaigns on making healthier fast foods are also of great importance as this will ensure people eat heathier6 foods without a notable change in diet. Such a transformation of junk foods will be most effective in young adults and children, who as earlier mentioned have a very high affinity for junk food. This approach is also very cost effective as changing of cooking methods might not be expensive. Advertisements that are part of these campaigns are the only costly strategy. These high costs are expected challenges in the implementation of these awareness programs. The counter effect of junk food advertisements is also expected to affect the programs.
Work cited
Scaglioni S, Salvoni M, Galimbret C. Influence of parental attitudes in the development of children eating behavior. Br J Nutr 2008; 99: S22
Fister K. Junk food advertising contributes to young Americans’ obesity. BMJ 2005; 331
