Stressed Parents = Fat Kids

According to recent research by Dr Elizabeth Prout-Parks, a physician nutrition specialist at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, found a connection between parent-perceived stress and more frequent fast food consumption by the family. She and her fellow authors have speculated that stressed parents may be buying more junk food to save time or reducing the demands of meal preparation. They also pointed out that children of stressed parents may result in less supervision, who may than go on to make unhealthy food and activity choices. The World Health Organization (WHO) regards childhood obesity as one of the most serious global public health challenges for the 21st century. According to the latest available figures 2012/13, 19% of 10-11 year olds, were obese and 14.4% were overweight. Reception (4-5 year olds), 9.3% were obese and 13% were found to be overweight. This means almost a third of 10-11 year olds and over a fifth of 4-5 year olds were obese or overweight. In order for parents to avoid this trap and your children becoming a statistic, than planning ahead is essential. Fast food can be expensive and is high in saturated fats, salt and sugar and often low in protein, vitamins and minerals. Why don't you cook more food when you have the time and freeze the extra. In that way when you're rushed you only have to take the food out of the freezer and reheat it. This food would be much more nutritious and healthy. Foods such as cous cous, pasta, rice, stir-fries, vegetables, pulses and fruit are both quick and nutritious and can be a staple of your family's diet.