Answer to Question 1
More than 30 of calories in the menu items purchased at fast food restaurants for consumption by children are from saturated fat and sugar. These foods are also high in sodium. Children who eat French fries are getting both high fat and high sodium content. When a sweetened beverage is chosen, those empty calories from sugar replace the healthy alternative of milk or water. Excess or empty calories contribute to obesity.
Answer to Question 2
Cultural competence may prove to be a key to managing nutritional risk such as hunger, obesity, and lack of physical activity. Understanding that food and culture are clearly related is a good starting point. In some cultures, traditional foods are a mainstay and may represent more than just something to eat. Food patterns may be difficult to change, but providing information on healthier selections or food preparation methods might help a family make some shifts away from nutritional risk. As much as possible, this information should be presented to parents in their native language. Teachers can help children to try new foods and when possible include food selections that are similar to those children are used to eating at home.
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