Getting Over The Junk Food Hump

Getting over the junk food hump

If your 14-year-old is choosing pizza over salad, take heart – it may only be a phase. This was the finding of a study by the Foundation for Youth Development and the University of Auckland, published in the August issue of the Health Promotion Journal of Australia.

Lead author, Julie Moore, said Year 9 was the first year of grammar school in New Zealand, and it was the time many students got some independence over food choices.

"They suddenly have the freedom to make their own food choices, so they often choose to eat foods high in fat and sugar – pies, cakes and pastries," she said.

But there's light at the end of the junk food tunnel.

By Grade 11 students begin to relate what they eat to their body and health. They are also developing a stronger sense of individuality and do not feel compelled to imitate the unhealthy behaviour of their peers.

"Early adolescence, when kids are just starting to get their independence, is the time families can have a stronger impact on children's food choices and help them over this hump," Ms Moore said.

"Kids are likely to make healthier food choices when parents monitor where they are going, who with and what they are eating."

Eating breakfast is also very important, as most students who reported eating unhealthy foods also reported skipping breakfast.

"By taking an active interest in their children's food choices, making sure they eat breakfast and modelling healthy eating behaviour during family meals, parents can help influence kids' behaviour.

"This may be a fight in Year 9, but come Year 11, kids will be much more prepared to make the switch to healthier food," Ms Moore said.

ENDS

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