Most U.S. Parents Admit They Are Not Doing a Good Job Encouraging Their Children to Eat Healthy Foods

Published · Updated

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

While almost all parents agree that eating habits during childhood will have a lifelong impact on their child’s health, a recent national sample poll conducted by the C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital in Ann Arbor, Michigan revealed that only one-third of parents are confident that they are doing a good job in shaping their child’s eating habits. Parents reported a number of challenges.

  • 70 percent said that healthy foods cost too much;
  • 60 percent said their children do not like healthy foods;
  • 52 percent said that healthy foods are not convenient;
  • Roughly 50 percent of parents reported that it is hard to tell which foods are actually healthy; and
  • About 25 percent say that healthy food is not available where they shop.

While most parents recognize the importance of known strategies to promote a healthy diet for their children, roughly 20 percent percent say it is somewhat/not important to limit junk food, to limit fast food, and to have children learn to eat different foods; 16 percent believe it is somewhat/not important to limit sugary drinks, and 13 percent say it is somewhat/not important that their child eat fruits and vegetables every day.

Mannatech has long endorsed a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and healthy protein. For parents who want to provide further assurance that their children’s nutrient intake is optimal every day, Mannatech offers numerous vitamin/mineral and glyconutrient-rich products that are suitable for children, including:

Source: http://mottnpch.org/sites/default/files/documents/022017_healthyeating.pdf