Healthy + Happy #17: Ultra-processed, ultra concerning
New research reveals that people born after 1990 are more at-risk of early-onset cancer (before age 50) than people born before 1970. This follows another report that childhood obesity has risen 10-fold since 1975. The cause of these trends? It’s complicated, but one potential culprit: the consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs).
UPFs are different from “processed” foods — many of which can actually benefit your health. According to NOVA, UPFs are "snacks, drinks, ready meals and many other products created mostly or entirely from substances extracted from foods or derived from food constituents with little if any intact food." In other words, UPFs are ready-to-eat (or -heat), highly palatable, addictive convenience foods.
According to a 2021 study, UPFs account for more than two-thirds of calories for kids in the U.S. — many of which have been linked to chronic medical conditions and shortened lifespans.
What’s not helping: Americans are over-exposed to UPFs. They’re highly marketed to our kids and found in our homes, schools and concession stands.
The good news: it’s never too late to change your eating habits — and the sooner we start, the more benefits for our kids (and caregivers). Here are some tips for switching up the diet:
Incremental changes lead to more sustainable change.
Plan. Meal plan, shop and cook with your kids. Healthy food at home leads to healthy diets.
Set a good example. Kids notice.
Get involved. Food is served everywhere, and you can influence what is served in schools, faith-based institutions and concession stands.
Vote. Our elected officials create policies that impact kids’ health, such as:
The U.K. banned junk food at store entrances and exits and has plans to further restrict BOGO junk food offers.
In Oaxaca, Mexico, the state banned the advertising and sale of sugary drinks and UPFs to minors.
Health Canada introduced new front-of-package nutrition labeling requirements for prepackaged foods that are high in saturated fat, sugar, and/or sodium.
In the News
School food round-up.
The Biden-Harris Administration announced $50 million in additional funding for more healthy, scratch-cooked school meals across the country.
Urban schools are using hydroponic farms to provide fresh, affordable produce year-round (as well as a teaching tool for young entrepreneurs).
From 1971 to 2021, the National School Lunch Program served more than 224 billion lunches. Of these meals, 126.4 billion were free or reduced price.
Get kids moving — it helps!
Pink eye has a potentially simple fix that may surprise you: physical fitness.
It’s no secret: adding movement to the classroom is good for kids. Some potential benefits include information retention, skill reinforcement and increased interest levels (and it’s fun!).
According to recent research, multi-directional sports (think: basketball and soccer) improve bone health, while specializing in one sport/movement can increase the risk of bone-related injuries. Another win for sport sampling.
Sports psychology in action: Minnesota Cycling Association created a “chill zone” for student athletes (think: no parents, coaches or officials allowed).
Halloween is lurking.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, kids 2-and-over aim for less than 25 grams (2 tbsp) of sugar per day. Here’s what that looks like in Halloween candy.
On Halloween (and most days),the average American surpasses the recommended amount of sugar. According to the Mayo Clinic, the average American eats about 1.2 pounds of candy on Halloween — between parties and trick-or-treating, the average child consumes 3 cups of sugar on Halloween.
Both Halloween candy and face paint may contain harmful ingredients to our kid’s health. The Environmental Working Group has recommended alternatives like non-toxic make-up and “healthy-ish” candy.
Events, Happenings and Opportunities
Action for Healthy Kids Conference is November 2-4. Join like-minded individuals invested in child health and well-being to implement sustainable solutions to real world challenges.
Brigaid is hiring for many roles. Contact them to learn more.
Outride’s 6th Annual Summit: Transforming Youth Cycling: Health, Community and Access is October 25-26. Register for the virtual event here.
Have other national events or grant opportunities you'd like us to highlight? Let us know.
We hope you enjoyed Healthy + Happy. As always, please feel free to reach out to us with any questions or thoughts.