Mind and Body Health | Page 24

something that we can manipulate, but the truth is that we cannot control it. In addition, it should be understood that metabolism varies greatly between people, so although children tend to have a higher metabolism than adults, the rates still vary greatly between families. For example, one child may be able to eat a large meal and not gain weight while another child from a different family can eat the same meal and gain weight. Researchers do not yet understand why metabolism varies so greatly between families, but understand that it is evident.

Aside from internal and physical declines, leading an unhealthy diet is also shown to affect concentration and performance in school. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,

“Students who practice unhealthy eating are more likely to receive poor grades, get low test scores and pursue less education.”

The temporary “sugar high” that one experiences after the consumption of junk food is a false feeling of energy caused by the refined nature of the food. Having a substantial amount of these “sugar highs” will most likely lead to a hyperactivity disorder which causes a lack of focus and concentration on simple tasks (Ireland, Kay).

Luckily, the negative effects caused by junk food that we experience can be improved by a change in your habits. So in order to help improve a child’s eating habits, start by making small changes to their diet, such as swapping sugary drinks for water or seltzer flavored with citrus slices or keeping healthy snack readily available so the unhealthy ones are less tempting. By choosing foods made from complex nutrients, the body breaks down the food slower, releasing a more steady supply of energy through metabolic rate, allowing one to retain more energy and have greater concentration at school or work.