Why do children like junk food so much? How can you make them stop?

Answer 1

Most junk food is loaded with sugar and processed carbohydrates which have a fast and powerfull effect on body chemistry. Children's brain and central nervous system development continues well into adolescence and durring this time is more sensitive to changes in body chemistry. When consumed by kids junk foods, especially candy, can result in a mild "high" that adults don't experience. Conpanys who market to kids, like McDonalds, often load sugars into their food (taste the buns and ketchup on a kid's sized hamburger there). Suger isn't the only junk food that has a strong physological response in kids either. Salty and spicy foods like flaming hot cheetos release mild amounts of endorphins or can alter sodium levels in the body (sodium levels effect synapse function in the brain) which children are more sensative to than adults.
In short junk food is engineered to taste good to kids, in cases it can almost act like a drug.

Answer 2

Because of the sugar and salt (addictive!) and they TASTE good. The way to make them stop is to NOT buy junk food. As a parent, you control the food choices. Getting children started on healthy foods is a challenge but not impossible. Best of all, don't let them have junk food except on special occasions!

Answer 3

I think a lot of it has to do with how they are fed when they start eating and what their parents offer them. My kids would rather have fruit and veggies over junk food any day. It's all in how they are brought up really. You create habits at a young age from what you see and hear around you. Habits are hard to break, but it can work.

Answer 4

Who wouldn"t ? The best way to prevent "junk food junkies" is to eliminate the source. Supply the kids with delicious healthy alternatives. Introduce yummy and healthy fruits and veggies, nuts, whole grain breads and pasta. Make meals an event.

Answer 5

This is a very sore subject with me. I see kids eating that crap day in and day out.. I do not know WHO to blame more.. the specialized people who are marketing that junk or the families who are allowing themselves to be conned into buying. It has NOW become a part of our American life and it is NOT good.

I feel that it is necessary that families (parents) learn to say NO to their kids and I feel that schools should also touch on this in schools... It is what I call a travesty

Answer 6

there is no point in worrying about the why, just do what you can to give them a balanced diet and try to make the snack what they like. As a parent you have the ability to introduce the foods they eat to them Start young with more fruits, even canned. Try making eating new food fun, they will always have their favorites. ans don't try to remove all of the sugar limit it and add healthier snacks, and eat with them if they don't see you eat healthy they won't.