An estimate suggests that Frito Lay sells one billion bags of Cheetos per year

Consumption of junk food provides little or no nutrition due to unhealthy ingredients. Junk food is often considered unhealthy especially when eaten regularly. Credit for the phrase ‘junk food’ is given to Michael Jacobson who coined it in 1972 to describe food that provides no nutritional value. Junk food is usually food that can be obtained conveniently in ready-to-eat form such as a bag of chips or food from a ‘fast food’ restaurant.

Facts about Junk Food:

• Paul Johnson and Paul Kenny of Scripps Research Center performed a study which concluded that junk food has similar addictive qualities as that of heroin.
• The glue on envelopes and postage stamps, corn dextrin, is also commonly used to as a thickener in junk food.
• There is an increase in obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure, certain cancers, tooth decay, and other diseases by consuming junk food.
• Pregnant or breast feeding mothers who eat junk food are more likely to raise children who will have a higher risk obesity, diabetes, raised cholesterol, and high blood fat.
• Hostess produces 500 million Twinkies per year.
• The creamy center of a Twinkie isn’t really cream at all but rather its made of mostly Crisco.
• More than two billion dollars is generated through sales of candy for Halloween.

So the next time you are considering a snack for yourself or for your children, consider something a little (alot) more healthy.

When it comes to the health of children, it is vital for them to eat properly. Children are more vulnerable than adults to sicknesses, but eating healthy helps their immune system fight off harmful germs.

When children come home from school, they often don’t wait until dinner to indulge in eating. A healthy, light snack is perfect for situations such as this. Here’s a list of healthy snacks to feed children:

• Veggie Platter- An inexpensive yet favorite dish for many youngsters. Simply cut up celery, carrots, brocolli, and any other preferred vegetables. Including a vegetable dip such as ranch or bleu cheese completes the dish.

• Fruit Dish- Fruit is a great after school hours snack. Almost all children love a variety of fruit. Cut up a mixture of fruit such as cantaloupe, watermelon, apples, bananas, grapes.. etc. into a bowl and chill in the fridge. It’s as simple as that and ready to go!
• Crackers and Cheese
• Yogurt – Instead of ice cream, a low-fat yogurt is a good snack choice.
• Applesauce – While applesauce is not a very filling food, it is something good to have on the side.
• Granola Bars
• Healthy Trail Mix

Last but not least don’t forget to include a healthy beverage. My suggestions include water (of course), low-fat milk and 100% fruit juice.

All of the above options are tremendously better than providing cookies, ice cream, and soda.