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Focus On Nutrition
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Previously Asked Questions
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My 4 year-old is a magnet for anything with a cartoon character on it. It has been impossible to take her to the grocery store without her finding and wanting packaged foods displaying these characters. Should I be concerned about my daughter choosing unhealthy foods because of this?
Answer
According to a 2004 article in the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, foods marketed to children are often higher in sugar and fat. Fortunately, some healthier foods are now being marketed to young children with their favorite characters, including carrots. Also, be sure to spend time shopping on the perimeter of the store where less processed foods are generally found – dairy and meat products, whole grain breads fresh from the bakery, and the produce section with an array of different colors and shapes to interest your child.
It is important for parents to monitor what their children watch on television. Despite the risk of frequent exposure to advertisements of potentially unhealthy food products, children essentially learn by example. Your consistently healthy choices and actions as a parent can provide positive guidance for your child, and will encourage her to make her own healthy choices down the road.
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